?Chapter 2849:


    Hadley stayed close behind, dressed in a simr outdoor jacket, her long hair neatly tied into a bun.


    Their mission was simple: search any home with children around Locke’s and Joy’s age.


    Of course, they couldn’t be direct. Officially, they were surveyors from a real estatepany on a field visit, assessing local living conditions and welfare needs.


    But for the Flynn and Scott families, if Joy was found, those “benefits” would follow—without question.


    By noon, after hours of knocking on doors and crossing out names, they still had no trace.


    Eric nced at Hadley. Her steps had slowed, and her face was pale with strain.


    “Should we head back? Phillips should be ready to take over by now.”


    “No.” Hadley shook her head firmly.


    “I’m fine.”


    Besides, even if she went back, she wouldn’t be able to rest.


    “Alright, then.” Knowing persuasion was pointless, Eric softened his tone.


    “At least let’s stop and eat something.”


    “Alright.”


    They settled on a shaded rock, catching their breath and eating quickly to keep their strength up.


    Hadley nibbled at a dry,pressed biscuit, washing it down with cool water.


    “Want some beef jerky?” Eric asked.


    “No.” She scrunched her nose and shook her head.


    “This is fine.”


    Just then, Eric’s phone rang. It was Phillips.


    “Hello?”


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    “Mr. Scott!” Phillips’s voice was urgent.


    “I think we’ve found something. There’s a couple behaving suspiciously. ording to the vigers, they don’t have any children, yet neighbors have heard a child crying in their house over the past few days.”


    Eric’s expression sharpened as he sprang to his feet.


    “Which house?”


    “Check the list…”


    “Got it.” Eric yanked the list from his pocket.


    “Tell me.”


    After listening carefully, he checked their position.


    “We’re nearby. We’re heading there now.”


    He added quickly, “It might not be Locke or Joy. So keep searching—no need for everyone to converge here.”


    “Understood, Mr. Scott.”


    Eric hung up and turned to Hadley, who was already watching him with wide, eager eyes.


    She hadn’t caught every word, but she understood enough.


    “Is there news?”


    “Possibly.”


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