Chapter 4 - Examining The Hospital Wristband And Hidden Key

Back in his primary office, Marcus laid the faded hospital wristband and the small brass key gently across his wooden desk. The plastic band was yellowed with age, bearing the stamped serial number and the fading name: Daniel Vance, admitted October 14.
Marcus traced his thumb over the embossed letters, feeling a rush of painful memories from the night his younger brother vanished without a trace. The local department had closed the case as a voluntary disappearance, claiming Daniel had skipped town to escape gambling debts.
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Now, looking at the rusted key attached with a sturdy copper ring, Marcus knew his brother had been locked away somewhere dark. Noah sat quietly on the small couch in the corner, wrapped in a warm blanket while sipping hot cocoa provided by dispatch.
“Is my daddy going to come home with us now, Officer Vance?” Noah asked softly, his large eyes filled with innocent hope.
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