Chapter 54: A Glimmer of Hope

*Layla*

The call came unexpectedly one day as I sat in a waiting pattern. Waiting for Tamika to come through with relocation. Waiting to hear anything on my mother. Waiting for Dante to come back with a house that met his standards. 

The voice on the other end introduced himself as Ethan Callahan, the son of my father's old friend, John Callahan.

"Ms. Jennings," he said, his tone professional and somewhat distant. "My father asked me to reach out to you regarding your mother's disappearance. I understand you're looking for answers."

I felt a lump form in my throat as I began to explain the circumstances surrounding my mother's disappearance. "She was involved with a man named Marco," I started. 

"But then Marco was killed, and she just vanished. I think she might have gone into hiding, but..." I hesitated, unable to voice the fear that had been gnawing at me for weeks. "She might be dead."