CHAPTER 390: THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING CAROL

The late-evening news is displayed on the screen in Ashley's living room. Half-heartedly flipping through a magazine, her attention was suddenly snagged by the stern-faced reporter delivering the headline. "Metro Police today announced a major breakthrough in the case of the 'Diamond District Robbers,’ “the reporter boomed. Ashley's fingers tightened around the magazine, a prickle of unease crawling up her spine. "After months of chasing leads, “the report continued, a montage of police officers swarming a dingy warehouse flashing across the screen, "authorities apprehended the notorious gang believed to be responsible for a string of high-profile heists." Ashley sat forward, her gaze glued to the screen. This wasn't just any gang. This was...her investigation. The movement on the screen caught her eye. A grainy close-up of a hooded figure being shoved into a police car. A figure whose arm, momentarily exposed, bore a crudely tattooed inscription - a snarling diamondback rattlesnake