Chapter 2 - The Pink Backpack
The drive to Union Station was a blur of flashing red and blue lights.
Officer Miller had insisted I ride in the back of his cruiser while another officer stayed with Lucy at the precinct.
My fingers dug into the vinyl seat as the police car wove through the heavy evening traffic.
Every second that ticked by was another second David had to disappear with Ava.
The blue folder was important, but my niece’s life meant everything.
When we finally skidded to a halt outside the massive stone columns of the station, I didn't wait for the officer to open my door.
I shoved it open and sprinted into the echoing main concourse.
Hundreds of commuters were rushing in every direction, a chaotic sea of faces.
“Ava!” I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation.
Officer Miller and two transit cops fanned out, checking the boarding platforms.
I ran toward the ticket kiosks, scanning the crowd for David’s familiar, arrogant posture.
Then, I saw a flash of bright pink near the baggage lockers.
It was Ava’s favorite sequined backpack.
I pushed past a group of businessmen, ignoring their annoyed shouts.
“Ava!” I yelled again.
A small figure darted out from behind a metal pillar and crashed into my legs.
I fell to my knees, wrapping my arms tightly around her trembling body.
She was sobbing hysterically, burying her face into my neck.
“He left me,” she cried.
“He saw the police cars outside and he just ran away.”
I held her close, kissing the top of her head while relief washed over me in a massive wave.
But the relief was quickly followed by a burning, white-hot rage.
David had used a little girl as a pawn, and when things got difficult, he discarded her like trash.
Officer Miller jogged over, his hand resting on his holstered weapon.
“We missed him, but transit security has him on camera fleeing through the east exit,” he said breathlessly.
“Did he have anything with him?” I asked, my voice deadly quiet.
May you like
The officer nodded grimly.
“A blue folder,” he replied.
