Sunshine had made up her mind, she wasn't going to be cooped up at home like a house lady. Hansen didn't like the idea of her using her beauty to attract attention, but Sunshine had convinced him to get her a boutique. And of course, she couldn't manage it without her trusted female bodyguard, Lettie.
"Lettie, bring the items that are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning for signing. I'll be leaving before 12 p.m.," Sunshine instructed.
"Alright, I'll be right there after I finish serving my client," Lettie replied from across the room. Soon after, Lettie returned with the goods ready for Sunshine's approval.
No sooner had she set them down than Ciara walked in, radiating energy.
"Hi, my gorgeous sister-in-law!" she exclaimed, holding up a bright violet dress that stopped just above her knee.
"Just a second, Ciara," Sunshine blurted out, surprised by her sudden entrance.
Ciara moved to the dispenser and poured herself a coffee, then wandered over to the glass wardrobe. Her eyes widened as she scanned the racks. "Woah… this is the dress I've been looking for all this time!" She carefully selected a medium-size dress from the closet, noting the tag, it was by her favorite designer, Kim Li.
She slipped it on and twirled in front of the mirror, delight lighting up her face.
Lettie, who had been quietly observing from a corner, stepped forward. "Ma'am… Sunshine is waiting outside for you," she whispered.
Ciara nodded, still grinning. "Alright, can you package this and bring it home later?"
"Everything for you, ma'am," Lettie replied, simpering as she prepared the package.
Sunshine peeked from outside the boutique, tapping her foot impatiently. She couldn't wait to get started, today was the fifth step in turning her boutique dream into reality, with her sister-in-law Ciara helping her along the way.
After a long drive, they arrived at the outskirts of San Felipe. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Ciara murmured softly, almost to herself.
"Daryl… it's been so hard for us ever since you left. Please… help us find information about my niece. She's the only photo of you that was left behind. I know we should've come long ago, but I know you understood what we went through. Bless us with your guidance." She made the so help me God sign and exhaled deeply, shoulders trembling with emotion.
They made their way to the site of the accident. The information they had sourced from the residences nearby proved discouraging. Everyone seemed to give a different story. Some claimed both cars had been lost in the crash, others insisted one had survived.
"Aaaahhhhhh! I didn't expect this from you, Daryl!" Ciara wailed, collapsing to her knees and howling in despair. The group exchanged awkward glances.
"Uhm… we're sorry… she's just disturbed," Sunshine chimed in.
"Why don't you try the police stations instead?" A man said cautiously. "There are several sub-stations around here… at least one might have something useful."
"Sure… we'll do that," Ciara said, taking a shaky breath as her companion helped her to her feet.
Hours passed, and their search proved exhausting. They finally rested under the shade of a large birch tree, letting the cool breeze calm their nerves.
Just then, a stout policeman approached, curiosity etched on his face. "Can I help you?" he asked.
Ciara explained everything, from the missing niece to the confusing reports at the scene. The policeman smiled kindly, nodding as he listened.
"The case was brought here," he explained, "but this station isn't in good condition, as you can see. Everything was transferred to the city for proper handling. You'll find better records and more reliable information there."
Ciara's shoulders slumped, a mix of frustration and exhaustion on her face.
"But don't you worry," the policeman added, reaching for a folder from his desk. "I have a copy of the files. You can come in, and we can go through it together."
Ciara's eyes lit up with relief. "Thank you! That would really help us a lot."
The group followed him inside, hearts heavy but hopeful, ready to uncover whatever clues remained about the missing niece.
The policeman leaned back, a heavy sigh escaping him. "The accident… it was caused by a young mother named Daryl. She didn't survive, unfortunately, but her child did."
Sunshine's eyes widened. "Her child… survived? But what about Mrs. Cruz and her son?"
"They were in a different car, with the driver," the policeman explained. "Thankfully, neither of them was severely injured. But Daryl… she didn't make it. Her child was alone, and the poor little one didn't even know the names of any relatives, not her mother's, not anyone else's."
Ciara's eyes filled with tears. "How did you even know her name?"
The policeman held up a small piece of evidence. "Her car had a customized license plate her name, Daryl, was on it. That's how we identified her. Otherwise, the child's identity would have been a mystery."
Sunshine leaned forward. "And the names the child gave for everyone?"
The policeman gave a faint smile, tinged with sadness. "Handsome Uncle… Auntie Slim… and Annoying Uncle."
Ciara's face crumpled, and she wept quietly. "I'm… I'm Auntie Slim…"
Sunshine's brow furrowed. "So… who took the child in?"
"Well," the policeman continued, "she chose to stay with Mrs Cruz family. But legally, everything was registered under Dan, the driver. And as I speak, he's no longer alive… he signed the paperwork before passing."
Sunshine's shoulders slumped. "So… there's nothing we can do officially?"
He shook his head. "The case is closed. Officially, it's done. But that doesn't mean you can't investigate on your own.
The internet, old contacts, social networks… you might still uncover something useful."
Ciara wiped her tears, her voice trembling but determined. "Then that's what we'll do. We can't just let her remain lost."
Sunshine's fists clenched in determination. "We'll find her. Somehow. No matter what."
The policeman gave a small nod of respect