Lucas looked around and sighed. There were people as far as he could see. Some faces were more familiar than others but he was grateful for every single person that had showed up. It meant they cared. It meant they were worried about Peyton. It also meant that they, too perhaps feared the worst. Shaking off that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he let out a deep breath. No time for negative energy and assuming the worst. He had to be strong for Larry and everyone…especially Peyton.

"There sure are a lot of people", Larry took note with a heavy heart as he joined Lucas. "I guess putting up those fliers and that piece on the Channel 3 news really helped."

The two men had wasted no time as they dove into a plan of action to find out what happened to Peyton. Lucas had made a flier with the word "MISSING!" printed in bold letters at the top. There were her stats…height, weight, hair and eye color and a description of the outfit she had been wearing the night she had last been seen. A few short but distinct paragraphs briefly detailed the mysterious circumstances of her disappearance and then there were two pictures of her as well. One was a photo taken just weeks earlier at her high school graduation and another taken at a concert…one displaying curly hair and the other straight. Lucas had printed hundreds of the fliers and posted them on the doors of local businesses as well as door to door and on car windshields.

Larry had set to action as well. He contacted the local news' 3 On Your Side program. They had jumped at the story and the distraught father had been in an interview that was shown on the six and 11 o'clock segments. It had also made the newspaper. Anything to get the word out and they hadn't stopped there. Along with Nathan, Haley, Karen, Mouth and Skills, Larry and Lucas had organized a candlelight vigil in a public service for Peyton. To their surprise and relief, it appeared as if almost the entire community had gathered that night in the park adjoining the River Court.

"Yeah", Lucas nodded. "There are a lot of good people in Tree Hill. It gives me hope."

Larry looked away sadly.

"Yeah…hope."

"Well, we better get started with the service. I guess you're up first with the welcome and the remarks and whatever. Then we'll do a prayer and Haley will sing and we can have a moment of silence."

Larry bit his lip.

"I can't, son…"

"Larry?"

The father fought back tears.

"It's too hard. I, I'm sorry but I don't think I can get up there and talk to all these people without breaking down."

Lucas watched him do his best to keep it together.

"Okay. Um, it's okay. Just go up there and stand beside me. I'll do all the talking."

He had nothing prepared but his feet led the way to the front of the crowd as Larry solemnly followed. A collective hush fell over the crowd.

"You're a good man, Luke", Larry whispered as the night began.

"Um, can, can everybody here me? My name is Lucas Scott. I live here in Tree Hill and we organized this event tonight to bring more awareness to help find our missing friend, Peyton Sawyer. First of all and on behalf of Larry Sawyer, Peyton's father right here, I just want to thank you all. Thanks for all your prayers and letters and phone calls and support. Thank you for coming tonight. We're here first and foremost for Peyton. She has been missing for almost three weeks now. She's out there somewhere and we are dedicated and devoted to bringing her home safe and sound. If you guys don't mind, we have more fliers set up with some information about upcoming events and search efforts and uh, thanks to Marvin McFadden, we now have a website you guys can visit if you want to help. We appreciate everybody's help and uh, Peyton…well, Peyton would really be just amazed and grateful to you all if she was here.

Some of you know her and some of you don't. I'm one of the lucky ones because she has been a great friend and just a huge part of my life for the last two years. I just can't say enough things about her. First and foremost, she's just a really good person. I'm not just saying that, either. And she's a great friend. An awesome listener and consoler. She's funny and fun to be with. She is intelligent and beautiful and kind.

For those of you that do know her, I know you really miss her right now. For those of you that don't, I know you can't wait for the opportunity to meet her. We, I miss her a lot. I miss her love and appreciation for art and music. I miss her talent. I miss hanging out with her all the time. I miss my friend. Peyton is out there somewhere waiting to be found, waiting to come home. And that's exactly what we're gonna do…we're gonna bring her home. Thank you all again for coming out. We have Father Jack Fisher here tonight as well and he's gonna say a few words and a prayer."

Lucas stepped from the platform to applause and a heartfelt nod from Larry. He had no idea just how powerful and emotional that moment was going to be. Needing a breather, he stepped away to collect himself.

"Those were beautiful words."

He recognized the soft voice and looked up in surprise. It was the last person he expected to see.

"Brooke…you made it."

She gave a half smile.

"Come on, Broody, I'm not that heartless", she answered quietly and sadly. "Yeah, Peyton and I may have had our differences lately but she's still my best friend and I still love her. Something's not right about this. I mean, I hate to say it but I have this awful feeling like something really bad might have happened to her. There's no way she just took off without letting anyone know. That really scares me. Anything you guys need…well, count me in. I'm here to help."

"Thanks", he nodded. "I really appreciate that…and Peyton would, too."

"Everything you said back there was true."

"I meant every word."

"You really care about her, huh?"

He chuckled in spite of the situation.

"I do. I really do. Funny, it took something like this to make me realize just how much."

"So where does it stand now?"

He sighed and shrugged.

"No real leads. It's like she vanished into thin air or something. But the more publicity we get, the better. The more help we have, the better but it's been hard. It's like a needle in a haystack."

"What about the police? Have they been any more help?"

"No and speak of the devil", Lucas sighed as he saw the Missing Persons detective approach them.

"Mr. Scott", she nodded pleasantly.

"Detective Shelton", he answered. "This is Brooke Davis, a friend of Peyton's and mine too."

"Miss Davis."

"Hello."

Lucas folded his arms.

"So what brings you by?"

"Surprised to see me?"

"Sort of. Just thought you'd be out finding real missing people, not hapless, PMSing teen runaways."

"I'm here tonight because I must say that you definitely have my attention. Your story is everywhere."

"We're doing what we can to find Peyton."

"I see."

"It's important to us. You might think it's stupid but…"

"I never said this was stupid and please forgive me if I made you feel that way. Based on what you presented me, at the time I did not have sufficient cause to launch a full investigation."

Lucas narrowed his eyes.

"And now?"

"I'm sorry. According to my boss, I still don't but um, off the record…I think you may be on to something."

"But if you can't help us, what can we do?"

"Exactly what you've been doing. Also, compile everything and keep it in time sequence order. Drop by my office at ten tomorrow and we'll discuss this further."

Lucas thought he might explode with relief. Finally!

"So you'll take the case?"

"Not exactly. But I will help with what I can. And when you do get that smoking gun, that one lead that cracks this thing wide open, I'll be here for you. Mr. Scott, I give you my word we'll have every cop in the county on the case."

"Fair enough."

"See you tomorrow", she nodded before walking away.

"Detective Shelton?"

"Yes, Mr. Scott?"

"Thanks", he looked right at her. "I really mean that. Thanks a lot."

He felt a renewed sense of hope as the detective walked off and disappeared into the crowd.

"Ready to get back out there?" Brooke asked.

He nodded as they slowly made their way back.

"I'm just glad so many people came."

"Looks like the old gang is here."

"Yeah", he sighed.

Everyone except Peyton, he thought as a pregnant and tearful Haley launched into a beautiful, a cappella version of Amazing Grace. It was both serene and surreal as the flickers from the light of hundreds of candle cast a glow over Tree Hill. Sobs, sniffles, and whispers could be heard. The mood was solemn as the group struggled to keep the faith.

In a crowd of hundreds, one lone figure did stand out. In his trademark white wife beater tee shirt and tanned muscles glistening, Derek Helm moved about the host of people. Hands in his pockets, he walked, looking around, nodding and mumbling greetings until he was finally approaching Lucas and Brooke.

"Hey, Brooke. Hey, Luke. What's happening?"

"Hey", Brooke said back.

"Glad you could make it", Lucas responded. "We're just doing whatever to keep looking for Peyt."

Derek looked around.

"A lot of people showed up. That's pretty cool, I guess."

"A lot of good hearts, a lot of concerned people."

"I guess but I'm sure it'll be alright. I'm sure Peyton will turn up sooner or later."

"Let's hope sooner", Lucas said.

"Yeah. Well, I just dropped by to see what all the fuss was about. This is a pretty good thing you've got going on. I'm sure Peyton would be happy."

"Yeah…"

Derek nodded again, shuffling his weight uneasily.

"Well, I guess I'll see you guys around."

"Yeah…see you."

Brooke seemed oblivious but the situation certainly had Lucas' attention. Derek did not leave at that moment and for the rest of the night, Lucas could not peel his eyes away. They were there supposedly looking for Peyton but Lucas could not help looking at Derek.

"You okay?" Karen asked, putting one arm protectively over her pregnant belly and the other protectively around her son.

"Yeah, it's just hard."

"I know", Nathan said as he, Haley and Larry joined them. "It's a good thing you did tonight, man."

Lucas sighed.

"Nothing is good enough until we find her."

"We will", Haley fought back tears.

"I brought you a candle, Luke", Larry handed it to him. "Everyone is supposed to have one for the moment of silence."

"Huh? Oh, oh yeah. Um…thanks."

"Lucas?" Karen asked with a worried look. "You sure you're okay, honey?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. It's just that Derek Helm was here a few minutes ago. I don't know. Did anybody notice anything weird?"

"What do you mean?" Haley asked.

"I don't know. I can't put my finger on it. I mean, the guy seems awfully lighthearted in a situation like this, don't you think? We're about to have a moment of silence at a candlelight vigil for our missing friend, someone he is supposedly very close to. Why is he the only one breezing around here like he doesn't have a care in the world?"

"I guess people just react to stuff in different ways", Brooke shrugged. "I mean, I didn't notice anything too off the wall. He's just being Derek. He's a strange guy in general, no weirder than usual."

The general consensus was agreement and that along with the moment of silence that was next, Lucas had no choice but to let it go. A hush fell over all gathered. Some wept. Some prayed. Lucas closed his eyes. We're gonna find you, he said, talking to himself but trying to channel Peyton wherever she was. Then he opened his eyes. He looked around at the sad faces…all except one. On the middle of the masses, sticking out like a sore thumb was Derek. And he didn't look sad at all. In fact, he looked oddly relaxed, as if it was just another party at the park. He even reached down deep in the pockets of his oversized jeans and pulled out what appeared to be a flask. He took a sip like no one was looking and not caring if they did. Then he noticed the steely stare coming his way. He met the glance with a stare of his own. He already knew who it was and it was hard to contain his smirk. Look at him. Look at all them. What a bunch of idiots, he wanted to laugh. But Lucas' eyes never moved, not even as the flame in Derek's candle went out.

"Must be the wind", he mouthed from yards away.

Yes, the non existent wind on Tree Hill's clearest night.

"Must be", Lucas mouthed back.

Maybe it was. Maybe he was paranoid, imagining things. Or maybe not. Everyone else seemed oblivious but Lucas had sworn that the "wind" had come from Derek's mouth when he blew out the candle on purpose as he had smirked at him the whole time.

"You sure you're okay, bro?" Nathan asked.

Lucas exhaled as he strained to see but there was nothing to see. Derek was gone. Disappeared without a trace.