Damon's POV
The dejection on my face told the entire story as we entered Cole's house. We hadn't found Maya. I collapsed into a chair, my body feeling leaden with exhaustion and worry. My mind was spiraling into dark places – I needed to find her before it was too late.
"What happened, Damon?" Orson sat beside me, concern etched across his features.
"She wasn't there," I replied, my voice hollow with disappointment. "But I'm certain she was. The state of things there... they must have moved her right before we arrived."
Seth nodded as he took a seat. "That's precisely what I believe happened. The detective approached the officer watching Claire's house and took him to the police station. He identified himself and explained why he was stationed there."
The pieces clicked together in my mind. "That's how she slipped away without our knowledge. With the officer removed, she could leave without us being alerted."
