Chapter 20: Desperation

The Enemy

Chapter 20: Desperation

Kai reached the school in a hurry, rushing inside without a second thought. His eyes scanned the hallway until he saw Sarah standing near the principal's office. Her usually composed demeanor crumbled as she saw him, and she burst into tears.

Sarah was strong—both physically and mentally. But at that moment, she was a mother first, consumed by fear and worry for her missing daughter.

Kai wrapped his arms around her, trying to steady her even though he himself was trembling inside. "Don't worry," he said softly, his voice betraying the emotion he was trying so hard to mask.

The two of them went straight to the security room, determined to find answers. Kai's voice was firm as he addressed the guards. "Are you still not able to access the cameras?"

The guards exchanged nervous glances but said nothing.

The principal, standing nearby, tried to reassure them. "Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Keller. I've already filed a police complaint. They'll handle this and do everything they can to find Lily."

Despite her words, no real progress was made once the police arrived. Time ticked by, and every passing minute felt like an eternity. Kai was pacing, his fists clenched, his thoughts spiraling into worst-case scenarios. Sarah stood silently, her face streaked with tears. Her mind was fogged with confusion and helplessness, unable to focus on anything but her daughter.

Kai's frustration boiled over. He needed help—someone who could break into the school's cameras and give them a lead. But Riley wasn't here, and without her, he felt cornered.

Suddenly, a name surfaced in his mind. There is someone who can help.

Two years ago, Kai had worked on a case involving a teenager named Noah Shade. At just sixteen, Noah had hacked into banks and his school's system to retaliate against the relentless bullying he'd faced from both students and teachers. He'd even siphoned money from the bullies' accounts, a desperate act for justice.

Kai and Riley had caught him, but after investigating the boy's circumstances, Kai had seen potential in him. He'd ensured Noah received a pardon and helped transfer him to another school, giving him a fresh start.

Now, Noah was the only person who could help. Without hesitation, Kai headed to his home.

---

Watching her husband stride out with urgency, Sarah felt a glimmer of clarity through her despair. A hacker, she thought. That's what we need.

Immediately, she reached for her phone and called Nimrith. "I need you to come to the school right now," Sarah said, her voice firm despite the tremble in it. "I need your help."

---

Kai arrived at Noah's house and knocked on the door. A moment later, it opened, and Noah Shade appeared.

Noah's striking appearance was hard to miss. His fair skin had an almost porcelain quality, a stark contrast to his bold, electric blue hair, which was styled in a slightly messy but effortlessly cool manner. His sharp black eyes studied Kai with a mix of curiosity and calculation, always seeming to see more than he let on.

He wore a loose dark hoodie with subtle geometric patterns, paired with fitted black joggers and sneakers. A small crossbody bag hung over his shoulder, containing a sleek laptop and other tech gadgets.

"What brings you here, old man?" Noah asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.

Kai didn't bother with pleasantries. "I need your help. Can you help me?"

Noah's eyes narrowed. "Why don't you ask your friend Riley? I'm sure she can handle it."

"She's not here," Kai said, his tone urgent. "And I don't have time to explain. Please, Noah, I need your expertise."

Noah studied him for a long moment before smirking. "Alright, I'll help. But what's in it for me?"

Kai didn't hesitate. "We'll discuss that later. Right now, I just need you to come with me."

Satisfied, Noah grabbed his gear and followed Kai out the door.

---

Back at the school, Sarah waited near the security room. Her long black coat flowed over her white leggings, and her golden hair fell in waves around her shoulders. Despite the tears staining her cheeks, her blue eyes sparkled with fierce determination.

Kai, still dressed in his black tracksuit, exuded urgency and determination. Together, they clung to the hope that Noah's skills and their unwavering love for their daughter would lead them to Lily.