Ten minutes feel like a lifetime to Kieran.
He is not used to this waiting. People wait for him, not the other way around. His fingers drum impatiently against the table, his sharp eyes scanning the door as if his sheer willpower alone will summon the missing detectives.
Ace sits beside him, not as anxious but still on edge. They can't afford any slip-ups.
A moment later, hurried footsteps echo in the hallway. The door swings open, and Sam steps in, leading the rest of the detectives who had been out searching for Lucy.
Their expressions are a mix of exhaustion and curiosity.
"We're so sorry for the delay, sir," Sam says, slightly out of breath.
Kieran barely acknowledges the apology, offering a stiff nod as they all settle into their seats.
The tension in the room is palpable, the silence expectant. He clears his throat, his voice firm and commanding as he finally speaks.
