CH-86 GONE

Chapter 86

Realizing he was getting nowhere, McCarthy sighed in defeat. "I see. Well, thank you for your time, and I apologize for the intrusion."

The woman nodded, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. "No problem. And if you do manage to find a way to get in touch with Matilda, be sure to tell her she owes me a month's rent."

With that, she closed the door, leaving McCarthy standing on the doorstep, his mind racing with a mixture of frustration and uncertainty.

"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "This is not good."

Feeling a growing sense of unease, McCarthy quickly made his way back to his car, his thoughts consumed by the implications of Matilda's sudden disappearance. He had not received any call of his mother's presence at home where his security would always update him on such matters.