Ethan scanned the motel's surroundings again, his sharp eyes catching sight of the CCTV camera mounted on the upper part of the building.
A faint flicker of hope ignited in him.
He strode back inside, his polished shoes clicking against the tiled cracked floor as he approached the receptionist, who was still behind the counter.
"Excuse me," he began, his voice firm but restrained. "I need access to your CCTV footage."
The receptionist frowned, clearly taken aback.
"I'm sorry, sir, but that's not possible. We can't share such information with strangers."
"Someone's life might be in danger." Ethan's jaw clenched. "That footage could save her. Please, I'm asking you to cooperate."
The receptionist hesitated, her expression softening slightly. "I'll have to call the manager. Only he can authorize that."
"Then call him," Ethan urged.