Chapter 11
279words
Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating her weathered face and the fierce determination in her eyes.
Betty snapped her notebook shut, resolving to change tactics and personally investigate every lead, no matter how small.
The next morning, she packed a small bag and mapped out her plan of attack.
She started in Oak Village to the north, pretending to visit old friends while probing for unusual events.
In each conversation, she'd casually mention Jessica, watching carefully for telling reactions.
Eventually, the recent drama surrounding the Kane family caught her attention as whispers spread through town.
She discovered that four years ago—right after Jessica vanished—Robert Kane had begun acting strangely.
Feigning casual interest, she learned Kane had suddenly become desperate to sell his nearly new pig transport truck.
Most suspiciously, the truck was barely three months old, yet he practically gave it away.
Betty tracked down Margaret Kane, catching the flash of panic in the woman's eyes at Jessica's name.
Following her gut, she stormed the Kane mansion, demanding answers about Jessica, creating a spectacle that had the whole town talking.
Linda watched through a cracked door as Betty confronted the family—her grandmother's exhausted yet determined stance bringing involuntary tears to her eyes. She never imagined Betty would track down the culprits alone.
How she longed to rush out and embrace her grandmother, to tell her she was still here.
But the time wasn't right—revealing herself now would endanger them both.
She retreated silently, tears blurring her vision, resolving to remain hidden a while longer.
