CHAPTER FOUR

As Sophia and Luke drove down the street, they couldn't help but feel like they had stepped into a different world. The buildings on either side of the street were run-down and in disrepair, a stark contrast to the sleek skyscrapers and bustling streets of the rest of the city. The air was thick with the smell of garbage and the sounds of people shouting and cars honking.

Groups of people were gathered on corners, their clothing and behavior marking them as out of place in the otherwise upscale city. They could see evidence of poverty and neglect everywhere, from the boarded-up windows to the graffiti covering the walls.

Despite being surrounded by the bright lights and sophistication of the city, They felt like they were in a place that had been forgotten. It was as if this one street was a pocket of poverty and desperation, isolated from the rest of the world.

As they continued down the street, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that they were an outsider in a place where they didn't belong. The residents of the street seemed wary of outsiders, and she could sense their distrust and suspicion. Despite the striking contrast to the rest of the city, this one street was a world unto itself, a place where the rules were different and the normal conventions of society didn't apply.

'Hmm… I thought this side of the city has been taken care of' Luke blurted out.

'Due to some reasons, the government had to let them be' she said as she sighs. 'I think that's the house over there, house 52'

'Yeah, I think that's the house'

They approached the house, which looked unassuming and unremarkable from the outside. The paint was faded, the windows were dirty, and the yard was overgrown with weeds.

Sophia knocked on the door twice but there was no response, she tried opening the door and it opened.

But as they stepped inside, she was struck by the beauty of the interior. The walls were painted in rich, warm colors, and the hardwood floor gleamed in the light filtering through the stained-glass windows. Antique furniture and elegant artwork adorned the rooms, giving the house a sense of refinement and sophistication. She couldn't help but feel as though she had stepped into a different world, one that was a world away from the rundown exterior.

'who are you and what do you want?' A woman came in abruptly.

'Good day ma. I am Detective Sophia Richardson from Greenwood Police Department' she said as she showed the woman her badge 'And this is my partner, Luke Martins' luke nodded his head and also showed her his badge.

'So how may I be of help to you?' the woman asked.

'We would like to see Jason Phillips. I believe he is your son, he was at the location where a couple was attacked one night this week' Sophia answered.

'What do you want with my son? he has not come back home since he went to work yesterday night for his night shift and that's unlike him. I have been worried since this morning, and I just hope nothing bad has happened to him' the woman said almost in tears.

'Hmm… Since yesterday night?' Sophia was surprised as she looked at her partner.

'Yes, he has not come back home' the woman stated again. 'Please help me look for my boy, I beg you' she pleaded.

'Alright, we will. Thanks for your time ma' sophia assured the woman as they left.

The sun was slowly sinking toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the land. The sky was painted with hues of orange, pink, and purple, as the light of day gradually gave way to the darkness of night. The air had cooled, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of the coming evening. It was clear that the day was already getting darker.

'Hmmm, this is getting mysterious. First, Mr. Robert was attacked by some kinda creature. Secondly, an eye witness goes missing' Luke said as they walked down to where her car was parked. 'Were you able to get anything from the CCTV camera?'

'No, I couldn't ' she answered as she started the car.

'So... What do we do next about finding Jason?'

The atmosphere in the car became silent.

As Sophia drove down the quiet road, the sound of her phone ringing sharply broke the peaceful silence. Without hesitation, she picked it up, her curiosity piqued. Her face tensed as she heard the voice on the other end, and she listened intently. It was the precinct calling, and they had an emergency situation. The urgency in the voice on the other end of the line made Sophia's heart race.

As a detective, she knew that emergency situations meant trouble. Her instincts immediately kicked in, and she stepped on the accelerator, increasing the speed at which the car was moving. Her mind raced with the possibilities of what lay ahead, as she tried to think of all the scenarios that could be happening.

Sophia's focus was laser-sharp, and she couldn't help but think about the worst-case scenarios. She knew that the stakes were high, and she had to act fast to ensure that everything was under control. Her heart was racing, and her palms were sweaty as she drove down the road.

Despite the fear and uncertainty that gripped her, Sophia maintained her composure. She was determined to get to the precinct as soon as possible and deal with whatever emergency situation was at hand. Her eyes were locked on the road ahead, and her mind was racing as she tried to think of a plan of action.

Overall, Sophia's response to the emergency situation was one of courage and quick thinking. She knew that her job as a detective was to protect the citizens and ensure their safety, and she was willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Her determination and focus in the face of danger were admirable, and she proved that she was a true professional in every sense of the word.