Chapter 37

As Kai exited the station, the cool night air hitting his face as he made his way down the quiet streets. The city seemed subdued, its usual hum of activity replaced by an eerie stillness.

Clutching the case file tightly, Kai followed the address listed for the missing boy's mother, each step purposeful, his mind running through possible scenarios, of what could have been the reason.

Not long after he arrived at the modest house, he paused for a moment, taking in the dim porch light flickering above the door and the overgrown bushes framing the small front yard. The place felt empty, but he knew better than to trust appearances. He climbed the creaking steps and knocked firmly on the door.

Nothing.

Kai knocked again, harder this time, the sound echoing into the stillness.

At that moment he leaned in slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he listened for any movement inside.

There was none.