Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

"Where did she vanish?" Colin asked, his voice laced with a mix of concern and frustration.

Finn, hot-headed as ever, lunged forward, attempting to grab Colin but missed as Colin sidestepped him smoothly.

"Stick to the facts, man. No need to get physical," Colin grumbled. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

With a dismissive snort, Finn pointed to the clue-laden whiteboard. "Melody disappeared around 2:30 PM at I-Futura Park. She went shopping with Dexter before she went missing."

The grainy images from the security footage flickered on the whiteboard.

"Dexter had left earlier to hit the hospital, and then he got the call that Melody was missing from the mall. That's when he dialed 911."

Colin studied the footage, noting how Melody entered the ladies' room and never came out. It was as if she'd vanished into thin air, spirited away by unseen hands.

"There's no secret exits or doors near the restrooms, and the cameras caught zilch – no suspicious characters, no sign of Melody leaving. We've asked the janitorial staff too; nobody saw a thing," Finn said, his voice heavy with gravity.

Dexter scoffed, "That's the best the cops can do?"

"You think you're better? Why'd you leave your precious Melody alone in the mall, huh? Took her shopping for fancy stuff, spoiling her rotten? Typical jerk." Stella rolled her eyes in disgust. "And keep away from Foebe Larson, will ya? You make me sick just looking at you."

Dexter glared at Stella, opening his mouth to retaliate, but I cut him off. "Mr. Fitzgerald, finding her is what matters."

He huffed, trying to justify himself. "Melody was picking out a gift for you, on my behalf. She told me to woo you all over again, to find something you'd really like..."

I frowned, signaling to Dexter to drop it.

Colin, ever the child in moments like these, pulled me into his embrace and warned Dexter with a possessive glare. "She's mine, a married woman. What right do you have chasing after her? Shameless."

Stella couldn't help but giggle at Colin's over-the-top claim.

I wanted to laugh too, but I was supposed to be mad at him, giving him the cold shoulder.

Colin looked at me with puppy-dog eyes. "Phoebe, we're legit. He's a bad guy, trying to hit on you. It's just not ethical."

Dexter clenched his teeth, looking like he might explode with anger at Colin's taunts.

Finn was at his wit's end. "Can you quit the lovey-dovey stuff for a sec and help me find Melody? If something happens to Melody on my watch, I'll be stuck directing traffic with Robin!"

Off to the side, Robin, the picture of relaxation, raised an eyebrow and swung his leg casually. "Traffic division's always open for new recruits."

Finn ignored Robin, and Colin glanced back at the surveillance footage, murmuring, "She's not dead. She left on her own."

"What do you mean?" Finn leaned in closer to the screen, scrutinizing the video he'd watched countless times.

"Pause it at 38:47," Colin instructed.

Finn froze the video on the frame showing a woman with long hair, dressed like an average middle- aged lady, complete with a nondescript hat.

"That's Melody," Colin stated with conviction.

It was Melody, all right – in disguise, leaving on her own volition.

No killer had abducted her; they'd been chasing shadows.

"The killer probably never even made a move. It's all Melody's own plot."

Finn furrowed his brow. "How can you tell it's Melody?"

"Her fingers – Melody's are long and slender. She dressed down on purpose, tried to look frumpy. Plus, if you fast-forward, you won't find this 'woman' entering the restroom." Colin had the knack for remembering details with just one glance.

That's just how terrifying a genius can be.

"Aren't you part of the expert panel yourself? Can't you do this?" Robin teased Finn.

Feeling defensive, Finn huffed, "My expertise lies elsewhere, not this..."

"Enough already. Let's not waste more police resources. Mr. Fitzgerald, Melody has cleverly made her own escape," Stella said with a sneer.

Dexter's frown deepened. "So you're closing the case just like that? What if she was threatened? Where did she get those clothes? Someone must've forced her to change and leave on her own. She's timid; she might've just followed orders. Shouldn't you be focusing on finding her first?"