The clock seemed to slow as midnight crept closer, each passing minute stretching into eternity. Alessia sat in the car, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from her chest. She was trembling, her hands shaking uncontrollably despite Theo’s steady grip on one of them.
“It’s going to be okay,” Theo said, his voice low and reassuring as he glanced at her from the driver’s seat. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “We’re going to get her back.”
Alessia nodded, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak. Her throat felt tight, her mind spinning with worst-case scenarios. She glanced at her mother, Victoria, who sat beside her in the back seat. Victoria reached over, placing a warm hand on Alessia’s knee.
“Sweetheart,” Victoria said softly, her tone filled with quiet confidence, “she’s going to be fine. Avery is strong, just like her mother. You’re doing everything right.”
Alessia let out a shaky breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I just want her back,” she whispered. “I need to hold her, to hear her laugh again.”
“And you will,” Victoria assured her. “You have the best people on this. Zoey won’t win.”
As they approached the empty parking lot of GeoMall, the sight of the vast, desolate space sent a chill down Alessia’s spine. The flickering streetlights cast eerie shadows, and the silence was deafening, broken only by the hum of their car engine.
Theo pulled into the lot, parking in the middle as instructed. Around them, the police were already in position, hidden behind abandoned vehicles, in the shadows, and on nearby rooftops. Detective Tover’s voice crackled through the small earpiece Theo wore.
“Positions are set. We’re ready to move on your signal,” Tover said.
Theo nodded subtly, then turned to Alessia. “Stay here,” he said firmly, his eyes locking onto hers. “I mean it, Alessia. Don’t get out of the car, no matter what happens.”
Alessia’s hand tightened on his. “Be careful,” she said, her voice trembling.
Theo leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I will,” he promised. Then he turned to Victoria. “Keep her calm.”
Victoria gave a nod of understanding, placing her arm around Alessia. “I’ve got her.”