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Chapter 11: The Search

"There's still no sign of her, sir." Captain Hunter stood at attention before Admiral Stratford. He hated to bring the most respected man in his life bad news of his daughter.

Admiral Stratford slumped forward, letting his head fall into his hands. It had been a week since his daughter's disappearance. A long, hard week for him. In four weeks' time, he was to dutifully join the war. But he couldn't bear the thought of leaving without knowing for sure that Lauren was safe. And he frankly had no idea where she was or what had happened to her.

"You've searched the docks?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"Three times over-today alone, sir. As well as the inns, taverns, shops. We've scoured every inch of St. Christopher."

"I expected as much." Stratford sighed. "It just doesn't make sense. Lauren has always been a good girl. Ever since Gerard died, though… she was so shaken up."

"This may not be my place to be asking, sir, but before her disappearance, was there any unresolved conflict between the two of you?"

Stratford motioned for Hunter to take a seat. "No, like I said, she's always been…" he trailed off, shifting uncomfortably in his own. "Well, now that I think about it, yes. You know Percy Williams, captain?"

"He's a bit hard to forget," he said carefully, trying to respectfully mask his distaste for the man.

"He was interested in her hand. She needs someone to take care of her while I'm gone. She didn't take well to him or to the idea of marrying him." A trace of a smile crossed his face. "She may have at one point called him a monster." He looked up at Hunter. "Why?"

Hunter now shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was hoping that the admiral would put the pieces together himself. "Have you considered the possibility that she wasn't taken? That she left of her own free will?" The office was silent for a few moments as Admiral Stratford tried to comprehend what the captain had said.

"Left?" He spluttered. "That's absurd! She was perfectly content! There was no reason for her to… leave…" Understanding dawned upon him as he found the truth in Hunter's words. "You don't think…"

Hunter remained silent, not wanting to pain him further. He vaguely knew Lauren; he knew that she was an agreeable woman and that there were high expectations for her future; however he also knew she had been madly in love with Gerard Harvey. He had been there when they broke the news that he would be sent off to the war. She had not taken it well, and he could only guess as to how she took the news of his death.

"What have I done?" Stratford whispered, staring blankly at his hands.

"Admiral," Hunter reasoned, "It couldn't have been prevented. No one could have changed the outcome of Gerard's activity."

"But I could have eased her grief."

Hunter had no reply to that statement. "What would you have me do, sir? I will do anything to help."

Stratford took a few moments to respond. "She could be anywhere. I've no idea where she could go or where she would've gone."

"We can start by searching the surrounding ports and towns on the mainland. I would prefer to undergo this search myself, with your permission. I do not think it wise to broadcast her disappearance. I fear many may use this as an opportunity of ransom. These are hostile times, sir, as you well know."

"Yes, I think that would be wise." He rubbed his temple. "Thank you, Hunter."

Hunter stood and dipped his head in response, then took his leave, leaving the admiral to his own thoughts.

Admiral Stratford leaned back and sighed. The house had been too quiet with Lauren's absence. The maids were hushed and resigned, managing to stay out of his way as much as they could, as if he were a ticking time bomb. Perhaps he was. He didn't know what he would do if he lost both Lauren and his wife.

A bit of a short chapter, but no worries, the next chapter is nice and long! :)

As always, reviews make my day!

-Becca