Page 8 of A Love Bite

She explains everything they know about Opal’s disappearance, her usual haunts, and the lack of clues they’ve found so far. As she talks, I can’t help but admire her determination and resolve, even in the face of such uncertainty.

“Let’s start with where you last saw her,” I say once she’s finished. “Maybe we can pick up something the others missed.”

She looks relieved at the offer of help. “Thank you, Jake. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Together, we retrace Opal’s steps, checking the places she was last seen and talking to anyone who might have information. As we work together, I find myself even more drawn to Alex, not just because of her beauty, but because of her strength and resolve.

As night begins to fall, we still haven’t found any concrete leads, but I refuse to give up. “We’ll find her, Alex,” I say, my voice firm with determination. “We’ll keep looking until we do.”

She nods, gratitude and worry etched into her features. “Thank you, Jake. It means a lot to have someone like you on my side.”

At that moment, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to help her, even if it means diving headfirst into danger. Because something about Alex feels right, and I’m not about to let anything happen to her or her friend.

8

Alex

As I walk the streets,my mind races with worry for Opal. I can’t shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong. When I hear Jake call my name, I’m both surprised and relieved. It’s a little strange that he found me here, but seeing him brings a sense of comfort.

His concern seems genuine, and when he offers to help, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope.

As we continue our search into the night, I can’t help but feel a connection forming between us. Jake’s presence is a beacon of hope in this dark time, and I find myself relying on him more than I ever expected. Together, we’ll keep searching for Opal, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll find her and bring her back safely.

Streetlights cast long shadows, and the hum of distant traffic creates a backdrop to our search. Jake and I move through the dimly lit streets, his quiet determination bolstering my own resolve.

We arrive at a small café where Opal likes to spend her evenings. The place is nearly empty, but the barista behind the counter remembers seeing her a few nights ago. He doesn’t have much information, but it’s something.

“Do you think she could have gone somewhere else after here?” Jake asks the barista, his tone polite but insistent.

The barista shrugs. “She mentioned meeting someone but didn’t say who. Sorry, that’s all I know.”

I feel a pang of frustration. “Thank you,” I say, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice. We step outside, and I glance at Jake, who’s deep in thought.

“We’re getting closer,” he says, his eyes scanning the street. “She met someone. That’s a lead we didn’t have before.”

I nod, grateful for his optimism. “You’re right. We need to think about who she might have been meeting.”

Jake pauses, then looks at me. “Do you have any idea who it could be? Anyone she mentioned recently?”

I think back to my last conversations with Opal. “She did mention a new friend she met at a book club. A guy named Mark. They hit it off pretty well.”

Jake’s eyes light up. “That’s a good lead. Do you know where this Mark lives or where they might have met?”

I shake my head. “No, but I have his number in my phone.” I hesitate. “We watch a lot of crime shows, and we’re investigative reporters so we don’t tend to go off with strange men.” I eye Jake.

“I suppose I count as strange,” he says, glancing away and rubbing the back of his neck. “If you would rather call someone else?—”

“Oh, I’ll call Mark, but I’m not calling someone else to join us. Kathy is staying at Opal’s apartment in case she comes back, but…” I wave my hand. “Let me call Mark.”

I quickly dial Mark’s number, my heart racing as it rings. After a few moments, he answers.

“Hello?” Mark’s voice sounds tired and wary.

“Mark, this is Alex, Opal’s friend. Have you seen or heard from her recently? She’s missing, and we’re really worried.”

There’s a pause on the other end. Then Mark sighs. “Yeah, we were supposed to meet up two days ago, but she never showed. I haven’t been able to reach her since. I was getting worried too.”

“Did she say where you were supposed to meet?” I ask, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice.