MISSING (1)

Song Rec': Escapism (cover) — Miji

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E L S P E T H

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I scrolled through the photos I took of Reese today, backing them up in the cloud as we headed to Edwin's office on Mount Street after I finished work that morning.

I called the driver at home repeatedly, reminding him to pick Reese up from school at noon, and even texted Stella to accompany him.

She assured me that it would be fine, and I felt a surge of relief. The positive reception they gave Reese early that morning made me relax. I should have been there by now, but this meeting was a step toward securing a proper future for both of us.

I finally arrived at my destination and made my way into the company. The receptionist led me to Edwin's office. Edwin jumped to his feet the moment he saw me. "Welcome, ma chérie. Please have a seat," he offered, pointing to a large table spread with blueprints, floor plans, and brochures of various buildings around Mayfair.

"Thank you," I said as I settled into the chair, crossing my legs as a staff member stepped in to serve us two cups of apple-flavored iced tea while we worked.

The clock ticked as we went through several images, videos, files, and magazines. Edwin calmly explained everything to me, stating all the pros and cons attached to each location. This made me think carefully and deliberate before making a choice. After three hours had passed, Edwin seemed drained; he yawned slightly before scrolling through his laptop again.

I removed my gaze from him and stared at the table. That was when I caught sight of a brochure underneath a bound file. I picked it out and scanned the information about a business building located on Cuzon Street. That was when I knew that this was the one.

Edwin smiled as he noticed the satisfied look on my face as I studied the colored print sheet.

When we shook hands and discussed the date to see the site in person, reality set in: I was actually doing this. I was breaking free from the heiress syndrome and building a place of my own.

"Congratulations once again, Elspeth. I promise you won't be disappointed," Edwin beamed.

"Thank you," I repeated for the umpteenth time when my phone blared loudly.

I excused myself and answered the call from Stella. The bright smile on my face faded when I heard her crying.

"Stella, what is it? Is everything okay?"

"Oh, my dear. I'm so sorry," she wailed.

My patience was slowly wearing thin, and paranoia set in. I exchanged glances with Edwin, who looked worried.

"Calm down and tell me what happened."

"Reese is missing." She finally opened up. I could feel my blood drain from my face as my fingers trembled while she continued to stab me with her words. "We went to get her from school, and we've looked everywhere, but we can't find her."

I shot to my feet, grabbing my purse. "If I return there and do not find my daughter, I'll kill that driver, and I'll kill you and whoever else is involved in this," I growled, ending the call immediately.

"What's wrong?" Edwin asked.

"My daughter's missing. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Oh Mon Dieu! Let me come with you, Elspeth," he offered.

At this point, I didn't trust anyone. I was holding back tears, desperate not to break down in front of Edwin. I declined the offer and rushed out quickly.

Outside the building, I asked Sir Bacchus for the keys and instructed him to ride back home with the guards, giving them strict orders to search for Reese around the school and our street.

After they left, I sat in the car, muttering a prayer as my lips quivered in fear. My mind raced with the worst things that could possibly happen to my child. If anything happened to her, I couldn't bear to live without her. She must be so scared; it was already getting dark.

I steadied my breath and opened my phone to check the app for Reese's GPS tracking watch. I was relieved that I had put my overprotective mom instincts to good use.

My eyes widened when I saw her location on the map. Chesterfield? How in the world did she get there? I prayed that she was safe and that whoever took her only wanted money and nothing more. The world was unbearably dangerous for a woman, let alone a young girl.

I forced out negative thoughts and focused on the possibility that she was in safe hands.

First things first, I drove to Chesterfield Street like a madwoman before stopping at the police station to file a report.

When they tried to remind me of the ridiculous law that a person wasn't considered missing until after twenty-four hours, I provided a lead to find her, and the inspector instructed two officers to accompany me.

"Two? I want a full raid," I snapped at the old man.

"Madame, that isn't how things work here. I—"

I cut him off by slamming my business card on the desk. "Elspeth Lois Loughton. I swear on your life that if you do not bring an army of officers to retrieve my daughter, I will make sure you never work anywhere again," I threatened.

The man shuddered slightly at the weight of my family's name. "Okay, Ms. Loughton," he agreed.

I left my car at the station and rode alongside the officers. All the way, I clasped my hands together and whispered prayers to God to protect my girl. If anyone must pass away tonight, let it be me in her place.

The tracker beeped loudly when we reached a large modern chateau. Whoever was behind this? Defying the officer's order, I stepped out of the car and followed them to the entrance while they spoke to the security guards of the house.

I pushed past them and knocked desperately on the door, which swiftly opened. My lips parted as I sighted him, and before Castiel could say a word, I slapped him twice.