AN: Well my semester is almost over. Its finals week which means now's the perfect time to procrastinate and finally post up the second chapter. I really cant say there will ever be a steady update system. It will probably be erratic and I can only apologize for that in advance. If you like this story however, please leave a review. It lets me know that people actually want to read more and encourages me to keep going. Triggers: Mention of murder, missing children, and attempted suicide. NOTHING DESCRIPTIVE just passing comments mostly.

Enjoy!

Chapter 2: Lost but not yet Found

The wooden floors under the Oriental rug creaked as Betty Petrikov entered the master bedroom.

The room was dark save for the glow that framed the door to the bathroom. The shower was running and Simon's off-key singing voice filled the room.

"Do do dooo Yeah. Where everybody, THAT'S RIGHT I SAID EVERYBODAYH, KNOOWS YOUR NAME," Simon belted out.

Betty smiled as she closed the distance between her and the bathroom door.

"... YOU WANNA BE… WHERE EVERYBODY. KNOWS." Simon paused for dramatic effect "YOUR NAAAMMEE!"

Betty interrupted her husband's musical number with a polite knock at the door.

"Sweetie, I'm going to bed now. Don't stay in there too long."

"I'll be right out Sugarlumps"

Betty smiled, she knew her and her husband's pet-names for one another were lame, but it had started off as harmless fun and ended up becoming a cheesy habit. At least they didn't get confused when calling to each other at the grocery store.

As Betty settled in under the sheets she could hear the water shut off.

A few minutes later her Husband joined her. She Rolled to face him and placed a quick kiss on the tip of his prominent nose. He chuckled softly and wrapped an arm around her waist before the pair welcomed sleep to come.

Both awoke with a start as the phone on the side-table began its urgent cry.

At this hour the couple knew it could only mean bad news.

Betty frowned, but stayed where she was while her husband answered the phone next to him.

"Hello?" Simon's voice was steady, but serious.

"Why do you need me to come in at this hour?" Simon questioned as he glanced around to his wife.

The voice on the other end was familiar, Betty noted. She strained her ears to listen in to the conversation.

"There's been an incident, Detective Petrikov. I know it's late, but the Chief has called everyone in. He expects you to come to the scene as soon as possible." The voice on the other line explained.

"What happened?"

Simon's voice was even, but Betty knew he was worried. She reached out and placed her left hand on his corresponding thigh. Without thinking he reached for it and laced his fingers between hers.

"We were called in for a domestic disturbance at 138 Chabot Rd. By the time we arrived the suspect had shot and killed his wife. He attempted to take his own but is hanging on for the moment..." The voice hesitated.

"Why do you need me then? It sounds like there's nothing more anyone can do.." Simon pressed.

"The suspect and victim have a daughter Sir, but no one can seem to find her."

Betty gasped and Simon's grip around the receiver tightened.

"How old?"

"Six."

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

It was a frenzy outside the Bubblegums home. Despite the early hour, the police barricade was swarmed by nosy neighbors and onlookers trying to sneak a peek inside the guarded house. Three different news stations we're already reporting live to the early morning news networks. Police officers from two different divisions had been called in to help out. Some were searching the neighborhood for any signs of the girl while others were maintaining the crowds around the barricade.

Simon was here to do neither of those things. A flash of his badge was all he needed to gain entry into the crime scene, where Captain Riccardo Heart met him at the front door.

"Detective Petrikov, so glad you could finally join us!" Rick said clearly forcing himself to stay civil.

"Good..." Simon paused to glance at his watch. It was 12:03 am "...Morning Captain Heart. Where can I start?" Simon said pleasantly enough. He and Rick had never gotten along and generally avoided one another. In cases like this, however, exceptions would be made.

"Talk to the newbie around back. He'll give you the rundown on what you've missed. Show him and his partner the ropes," Rick barked in reply. It was not a request, but a command.

Simon nodded and excused himself before going around back. He was surprised to see that the newbie's "partner" was a dog. A Yellow American Bulldog to be exact.

"Hey there!" He called just as a helicopter whirred low overhead. It was most likely searching for heat signatures of a small child.

Once it passed he tried again, this time getting the other officers attention.

With a high pitch whistle a blond haired chap decked out in what was obviously a brand new uniform called his dog to him before approaching Simon.

"I've never heard of a Bulldog being in the force before," Simon said to break the ice as he held out his hand, "Officer Petrikov, nice to meet you."

That's because Jake here's the only one! He's a great dog, just give him a chance. He can find all kinds of stuff! Oh I'm Finn by the way. No one really calls me by my title anyway.. I think it's because I'm new."

Finn realized he had still not shaken the man's hand and quickly did so.

Simon chuckled gently and nodded in agreement, "Well I'm here to show you the ropes Finn, but I need you to fill me in on what you know."

The two chatted briefly about the situation, the known, the unknown, and the likely outcomes to the situation.

"There wasn't any blood in her room and stuff, so I don't think she was harmed. Her window was open, so she probably ran away and is hiding somewhere. She must be really scared.." Finn said in conclusion as they looked up to Bonnibels window.

"I'm not so sure.." Simon said warily. Something didn't feel right.

"What do you mean?"

"Well.. Bonnibel is only six, and her bedroom is on the second floor. Do you really think she'd jump out of it?" Simon asked not taking his eyes away from the window.

"Well maybe she was really scared? I mean her mother was killed and all. Maybe she thought it was her only way out?" Finn doubted his own suggestion, but it couldn't be that obvious.. could it?

"Let's just say for the moment that Bonnibel did jump out of her bed room window.. do you think she would have landed without hurting herself? How far do you think she would actually get?"

"Not very far.. but Jake and I already searched this entire area and didn't find a thing! She's definitely not in the back yard.. and the helicopters haven't found anything.. which means.."

"She didn't jump out the window.. Finn.. I think we've been looking for our girl in the wrong place.."

"Bonnibel never left the house!"

The two officers ran to the front of the house with Jake happily in toe. Simon only slowed when Rick began demanding an explanation for the sudden rush.

"Go! I'll explain everything to the Chief!" Finn shouted. Jake couldn't very well go inside the house without contaminating the crime scene.

That was all Simon needed before continuing past the yellow tape around the front door.