Everybody left the room but Senator Gregory and Nicky. Nicky's heart was pounding in her chest. She felt like she was about to face a firing squad.

Nicky remained standing with her hands in fists. "Is there something else, Senator?" she asked politely.

Amara motioned for her to sit down. "Yes. Actually there is. Agent Lyons," Amara said. "After the tragedy that happened to my daughter, I struggled with the most important decision of my life."

Nicky looked at her, curious.

"I had to decide if I could continue doing my job."

Nicky didn't know what to say, so she remained silent.

Amara continued, "But I realized something. Something that no one else seemed to want to tell me."

Nicky watched her, waiting.

"I realized that the only way I could continue doing my job was if I made it personal," Amara said. "If I got involved with the people who disappeared. Agent Lyons," she said, her voice low. "I know it's hard to believe, but I do know what you went through."

Nicky held herself back from turning away. She didn't want to be rude, but the pressure on her was so hot, she felt like she was standing under the sun.

"I know it's hard to be strong," Amara said. "I know it's hard to keep yourself together."

Nicky stared at the floor. She didn't want to talk about this.

"You and I both know what it's like to not have what we wanted."

Nicky felt her lips part. "I'm so sorry about Masie," she said.

"I know," Amara said. "And I'm sorry about your sister."

Amara's eyes softened as she approached Nicky, and she put a warm hand on her shoulder. "I'm not trying to pressure you, Agent Lyons... but please keep these girls in mind. They deserve justice."

Nicky nodded, feeling extremely guilty. "I'll think about it, Senator.

CHAPTER THREE

Late in the evening, Nicky sat in her apartment and sipped a stiff glass of whiskey, scrolling through information on her laptop. She'd told the senator she'd think about her offer more, and she would. And so, she was trying to find out everything she could on the missing girl, Meghan Salinger.

Meghan had been abducted a year ago, right after winning a singing competition. She'd been taken on her way to the studio to record a single.

The media said it was a kidnapping for ransom. But Nicky didn't buy it.

If it was for ransom, why wasn't there a demand?

And why was the girl's body never found?

Nicky read Meghan's news articles, her Wikipedia page, and her social media. She was twenty-four years old, a singer, and a rising star. Nicky clicked through to Meghan's social media account, where she saw a picture of Meghan and a friend named Anne as her last post. All of the comments on the page were wishing for Meghan's safe discovery.

Nicky took another sip of whiskey, feeling her stomach twist with the guilt.