The chill of the morning clung to Kate like a shroud, a stark contrast to the burning rage that simmered within her. For over ten minutes, she had stood on Melissa Connor-Mckinney's pristine doorstep, her patience wearing thin with every tick of the silent clock in her head.

Finally, the heavy oak door creaked open, revealing the kind, familiar face of Auntie Mary, the family nanny. A small, weary smile touched Kate’s lips. “Morning sweet heart,” Mary said, her voice a balm.

“Morning auntie,” Kate responded, her voice thick with unshed tears, the memory of last night’s terrifying unknown still raw. Just as Mary began to speak again, a sharp, imperious voice cut through the air. “What is going on there Mary?”

Melissa. Her very name a thunderclap. In seconds, Albert’s mother stood before Kate, an imposing figure, her eyes blazing with a familiar fury. For a moment, Kate thought Melissa would tear her to shreds. But then, the rage softened into a condescending smirk.

“What did you do to my Albert?” Melissa spat, the accusation dripping with venom. Kate, her control snapping, ranted, the words pouring out in a torrent of frustration and fear. Melissa watched, a picture of icy composure. “This is why I told Albert that you’re not good enough for him, what could a girl like you offer apart from your exotic looks?”

The words were a match to Kate’s volatile temper. Without a second thought, her hand swung, connecting with Melissa’s face with a resounding slap that left a vivid red mark. Even Auntie Mary gasped.

“Kate,” Melissa hissed, her voice low and dangerous, “you will pay for this.” The door slammed shut, sealing Kate outside, but not before she heard Melissa’s chilling words to someone on the phone: “Hello officer, it’s Melissa. I want to file a report for a missing person; his name is Albert…”