Where Are They?
680 Words
The DailyTimes HQ, TwinBroad Street
“It’s been hours since Isabella and John left,” Jason muttered, pacing the newsroom. “The coverage has stopped abruptly, and we don’t even know where they went.”
“I bet they’re just wandering around,” Jeremy Dorg quipped, leaning back in his chair. “You shouldn’t have given them so much freedom in the first place.”
Jeremy, a colleague of Isabella and John, often found himself distracted by Isabella. He had been drawn to her since the day they met, but his jealousy toward John clouded his admiration. He believed partnering with Isabella was his right and often voiced disdain for their pairing, though his bravado masked his nerves around her.
“Jeremy, did you finish your piece?” Jason asked sharply.
“Oh, you mean the case where a student hit a teacher over a lollipop? Yeah, it’s done.”
“And what did the teacher have to say?”
Jeremy smirked. “Apparently, she liked the flavor, and it’s not available near her house.”
Jason chuckled. “Figures.”
Jeremy muttered under his breath, “Of course you’d find that funny. You’re just like them...”
“What was that?” Jason asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing, sir. Just wondering why you always stick me with these trivial stories. Don’t you see I’m meant for bigger things?” Jeremy retorted.
Jason smirked. “I gave you a murder case once, didn’t I?”
Jeremy groaned. “A cat’s murder! I had to interview dogs as suspects. Dogs, Jason!”
Jason laughed as he walked away. “That’s why I like you, Jeremy. You’re perfect for those kinds of stories.”
Jeremy clenched his fists, glaring at his retreating boss. “This guy is the reason I’m stuck here. And where on earth has Isabella gone?”
Richesville – 6:00 PM
“Are you sure this is the house?” John asked, scanning the rundown property.
“Yes. It’s written right here on the paper,” Isabella replied, holding up the note.
“But the neighbors say it’s been locked for a month.”
“I don’t understand,” Isabella muttered, her brows furrowed.
John sighed. “Look, it’s getting dark. Maybe we should continue this tomorrow?”
She hesitated before nodding. “Fine. Let’s go.”
As they walked back, John tried to lighten the mood. “One thing’s clear—your uncle’s definitely a millionaire, right?”
“I don’t know,” Isabella said curtly.
“Seriously? How can you not know about your own uncle?”
“Just stop bothering me, okay?” she snapped, her frustration spilling over.
John fell silent, guilt flickering across his face.
Moments later, Isabella sighed. “I’m sorry, John. It’s just... complicated.”
“Hey, it’s fine,” John said softly. “I get it.”
TwinBroad Street – 8:45 PM
“Oh, Isabella! I was so worried about you,” Margaret exclaimed as her daughter walked in.
“It’s nothing, Mom. Just some work,” Isabella replied.
Margaret studied her daughter’s face. “Well, I’m glad you’re home safe.”
“Mom...” Isabella hesitated. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, dear.”
“Is Uncle... a good person?”
Margaret frowned. “Yes, he is. Why do you ask?”
“It’s nothing. Goodnight, Mom. You should rest.”
The Next Morning – DailyTimes HQ
The newsroom buzzed with chatter as Jason addressed the team.
“Another accident. This time on ElynGross Street,” he announced. “I won’t even ask what happened yesterday—you’ve already disappointed me. But here’s your chance to redeem yourselves. ElynGross is Helfort’s turf. Covering this case won’t be easy, but you need to get it done.”
“Yes, sir!” Isabella and John replied in unison.
John groaned internally. ElynGross? You’ve got to be kidding me. What am I getting myself into?
Isabella’s mind, however, was elsewhere. Another accident... Could these incidents be connected? Is there a link to my uncle? Just where is he?
- Writer
