At the police station, there was still no new information. Feeling lost, Derek took a longer route home. On the way, he saw a homeless woman carrying Amber’s backpack. When Derek asked, the woman explained she found it at the bus station. Inside the backpack, Derek discovered an address and drove to it, but Amber hadn’t arrived.
As Derek drove back home, he spotted his ex-wife, Miranda, in a café. Miranda denied knowing anything, but when Derek found Amber’s inhaler in the bag, Miranda confessed. Amber had overheard the conversation, run away, and Derek had been searching for her ever since.
Derek found Amber crying on a bench. “I’m so sorry, Dad,” she said. Derek hugged her tightly, relieved. “It’s okay, but you’re grounded for two weeks,” he replied, glad to have her safe again.
