The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 964

"You're right!" Yvonne agreed instantly, her mind racing. "I've been teaching myself some advanced computer skills lately, and I'm actually getting pretty good. I'll start tracking down their digital footprint. Judie, do you have any specific leads or directions we can try?"

"I..." Judie thought fast, speaking rapidly. "My uncle's business partners operate some mines down there. I'm going to bug my mom for their contact info to see if we can reach the locals directly!"

"Good! Let's split up!" Yvonne made the executive decision, showing a decisiveness that contrasted with her usually sweet demeanor. "Judie, keep your phone on you. Call or text me the second you find anything. Even if it's just a rumor or the slightest hint, let me know immediately!"

"It's a deal!" Judie promised, her voice laced with a do-or-die determination. "Yvonne, I'm heading to my parents' study right now! I'll text you if I get anything!"

"Same here! I'm making calls now! Keep in touch!"

The call ended abruptly, leaving only a dial tone.

But the two young women, who had been panicking just moments before, were now filled with immense courage, fueled by their mutual trust and shared goal.

Their racing hearts calmed, and the helpless dread was replaced by a firm conviction: they had to do something.

Leilani's friends weren't the only ones who saw the news.

As a police captain, Ethan Jenkins naturally stayed informed.

It was Ethan's daily habit to check the news. He had just brewed a piping hot mug of coffee and was preparing to dive into his workload when the explosive headline about Callahan flashed on his phone screen.

He froze. His hand, holding the coffee mug, hovered mid-air, his eyes locked onto those terrifying words.

K was a veteran informant Ethan had met years ago during a highly classified cross-border fugitive task force. The man was deeply embedded in the lawless tri-border region, heavily connected, and one of Ethan's most vital intelligence sources.

The agonizingly long ringing tone dragged on.

One ring, two rings... ten rings... The phone rang out, but instead of K's low, heavily accented voice, a cold, automated message played: "The number you have dialed is currently unavailable..."

Ethan's brow twisted into a tight knot.

A wave of dread crept up his spine.

While K didn't always keep his phone on 24/7, Ethan had never experienced a time where he couldn't get through after multiple attempts.