Chapter 1 Who Am I

• Chapter 1
• I, Emma Evans stared intently at the flickering computer screen, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I tapped out the final edits to my latest article. After months of painstaking research and late nights, I had finally managed to expose a high-profile political scandal that was sure to earn me some newsroom accolades.
• However, as I skimmed through the piece one last time, a nagging sense of dissatisfaction crept into the back of my mind. This wasn't the kind of story that would truly cement my reputation as a hard-hitting, investigative journalist. I sat back and thought holding my jaw, I needed something bigger, something that would thrust me into the national spotlight and cement my place as a rising star in the cutthroat world of journalism.
• With a frustrated sigh, I closed my laptop and leaned back in the chair, my gaze drifting to the framed journalism awards that adorned the wall of my small apartment. I had worked tirelessly to earn those honors, but deep down, I knew they were just the first steps on the path to the ultimate goal - landing a prestigious position at a major national publication.
• The shrill ring of my cell phone jolted me from my reverie, and I snatched it up, hoping it might be the call I had been waiting for. "Hello, this is Emma."
• "Emma, it's Sam from the Willowbrook Herald," a familiar voice crackled over the line. "I've got a story you might be interested in."
• I sat up straighter, my pulse quickening. Sam was a seasoned local reporter whom I had collaborated with in the past. If he was calling me directly, it meant he had something juicy.
• "What do you have?" I asked, my fingers already poised to take notes.
• "There's been a strange disappearance in my town," Sam said, his voice low and tinged with unease. "A local factory worker named Mark Sutton vanished without a trace two weeks ago. The sheriff is calling it a routine missing persons case, but I've got a feeling there's more to it."
• My brow furrowed as I absorbed the information. Disappearances were not uncommon, but the fact that Sam sounded so unsettled piqued my curiosity. "Go on," I prompted, sensing there was more to the story.
• "This isn't the first time something like this has happened in Willowbrook," Sam continued. "Over the past decade, there have been a handful of other unexplained disappearances, all of them hushed up by the local authorities. I've been digging around, but the town is tight-lipped, and I keep hitting dead ends."
• My mind raced as I considered the implications. A small-town mystery with possible cover-ups by the local police? This could be the break I was looking for.
• "Sam, I'm intrigued," I said, leaning forward in my chair. "Send me whatever information you've got, and I'll see what I can do."
• "Thanks, Emma," Sam replied, a hint of relief in his voice. "I've got a bad feeling about this, but I'm glad you're willing to take a look. I'll get those files to you right away."
• "Appreciate it," I said, already mentally preparing for the journey ahead. "I'll be in touch soon."
• As I ended the call, a surge of excitement coursed through me. This was it - my chance to tackle a genuine mystery and potentially uncover a bigger story. With renewed determination, I began compiling a list of the necessary resources and contacts I would need to launch a full-scale investigation.
• The remote town of Willowbrook was calling, and I, Emma Evans was more than ready to answer.
• * * *
• Two days later, I found myself stepping out of a battered old rental car and onto the Main Street of Willowbrook, a quaint, picturesque town nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Midwest. As I took in the tranquil scene of the tree-lined streets and charming storefronts, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
• Something about this place didn't sit right with me.
• Gripping the strap of my messenger bag, I made my way towards the local motel, the files Sam had provided tucked safely inside. The sheriff's office and the Willowbrook Herald were my first stops, but first, I needed to get settled and prepare for the task ahead.
• As I checked into the motel, the bored-looking receptionist barely glanced up from his magazine. "You here for the annual corn festival?" he asked in a monotone voice.
• I shook my head. "No, I'm here to investigate a disappearance," I replied, deciding to be upfront about my purpose.
• The receptionist's eyes widened slightly, and he leaned forward, his interest piqued. "A disappearance, huh? You talkin' about Mark Sutton?"
• I nodded. "That's right. Do you know anything about it?"
• The receptionist shrugged. "Not much, to be honest. The sheriff's been real tight-lipped about the whole thing. All I know is that Mark was a regular around here, workin' down at the old factory. Seemed like a decent enough guy, but then one day, he just up and vanished."
• Frowning, I jotted down a few notes in my reporter's notebook. "Did you notice anything strange about him or the town in the days leading up to his disappearance?"
• The receptionist shook his head. "Nah, can't say I did. Willowbrook's always been a quiet place, but even more so lately. Folks around here don't like to make waves, you know?"
• I nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, thank you for your time. If you remember anything else, please let me know."
• As I made my way up to the room, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in the pit of my stomach. The receptionist's nonchalant attitude and the town's apparent indifference to the disappearance only served to heighten my suspicions.
• Closing the door behind me, I tossed my bag onto the bed and began systematically reviewing the files Sam had provided. Detailed reports on Mark Sutton's background, witness statements, and a series of old newspaper clippings documenting similar disappearances in Willowbrook over the past decade.
• My eyes narrowed as I studied the information, my mind racing with potential theories and avenues of investigation. Whatever was happening in this town, it was clear that there was more to it than met the eye.
• Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenge ahead. This is my chance to uncover a real story, one that could propel my career to new heights. And I am determined not to let it slip through my fingers.
• Having a renewed sense of purpose, I just gathered my things and headed out, ready to begin my investigation into the mysteries of Willowbrook.