A mother went shopping but never returned. Fourteen years later, her family discovers the shocking reason Why…

Several officers were already present, coordinating with harbour officials to locate the Eastern Horizon. What’s the status? Detective Vance asked, approaching a uniformed officer who appeared to be leading the operation. The Eastern Horizon left port last night, the officer reported, his expression grim.

Nearly twelve hours ahead of its filed departure time, Port Authority granted the early departure request due to sighted weather concerns, though meteorological reports show no significant weather systems in the area. They knew, Ethan said, the realisation hitting him with crushing force. They knew we were on to them as soon as I asked about my mother last night.

Detective Vance placed a steadying hand on Ethan’s shoulder. We’re not giving up. Harbour patrol boats are already in pursuit and we’ve alerted the coast guard.

That ship can’t have gone far in twelve hours. What about here? Ethan asked, gesturing toward the docks. Couldn’t some of Ronald’s people still be around? We’re one step ahead of you, the officer replied.

We’ve detained several dock workers who were involved in the Eastern Horizon’s accelerated departure. They’re being questioned now. Detective Vance nodded in approval.

Good work. Let’s head to the station. I want to sit in on those interrogations.

The drive to the police station was tense, with Detective Vance constantly on his phone coordinating the expanding investigation. Every few minutes he received updates about the search for the Eastern Horizon, or reports about the security measures being put in place to protect the Dawson family. They’ve got eyes on the ship, he reported after one such call.

Coast Guard aircraft spotted it about 100 miles offshore heading south. They’re dispatching vessels to intercept. Ethan gripped the steering wheel tighter, his mind racing with possibilities.

Could his mother really be on that ship? After fourteen years, was he finally close to finding her? When they arrived at the station, they found it buzzing with activity. Officers moved purposefully between departments, phones rang constantly, and an atmosphere of urgency permeated the building. To Ethan’s surprise, his entire family was there, seated in a waiting area, Dan in his wheelchair looking bewildered and tired, Ellie standing protectively behind him, Mark and Leah seated side by side, their expressions a mixture of concern and scepticism, and Aldy fidgeting nervously in his chair.

What are you all doing here? Ethan asked as he approached them. I thought you were staying at home. The police brought us in as a precaution, Mark explained, standing to face his brother.

They said it would be easier to protect us all in one location. Protect us from what exactly? Leah demanded, her arms crossed defensively. Ethan, what have you done? Before Ethan could respond, Detective Vance stepped forward.

Your brother may have uncovered the truth about your mother’s disappearance, he said, his tone professional but kind, and that truth could be dangerous for all of you. He quickly briefed the family on what they had discovered, the warehouse, the photograph of the cargo ship, the names on the list, and the possibility that Catherine had been forced to work for Ronald and the Doss operation. So you’re saying Mum didn’t leave us voluntarily, Ellie asked, her voice small and hopeful, that she was taken.

Based on the evidence we’ve gathered, it appears your mother may have become involved with a criminal organisation run by Raymond Doss and his son Harvey, Detective Vance explained. We believe she was forced to work for them, possibly because of a debt or other form of coercion. That doesn’t make any sense, Mark objected.

Mum didn’t have any debts. Dad handled all the finances back then. Dan, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat.

That’s not entirely true, he said quietly. All eyes turned to him in surprise. After my accident, the medical bills were— Overwhelming, Dan continued, his voice strained with the effort of confession.

Our insurance didn’t cover everything. Catherine was desperate. She tried to get bank loans, but we’d already maxed out our credit.

I was in the hospital, then rehab. I didn’t know what exactly she was doing to keep us afloat. Dad, Ethan said, kneeling beside his father’s wheelchair, are you saying Mum might have borrowed money from someone like Raymond Doss? Dan nodded slowly, tears welling in his eyes.

She mentioned once, just once, that she’d found a way to handle the bills. She said not to worry, that she’d taken care of it. I was so focused on my recovery, on the pain, that I didn’t ask questions.

I should have asked questions. Detective Vance pulled up a chair and sat across from Dan. Mr. Dawson, this is very important.

Did your wife ever mention names? Raymond Doss? Ronald? Anyone connected to the loans? Dan shook his head. No specific names, but she did say something odd, about a week before she disappeared. She said everything she did, she did for us.

I thought she was just stressed, saying dramatic things because of the pressure we were under. I never imagined— His voice broke and Ellie placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The men we arrested at the harbour are being questioned now, Detective Vance said, addressing the entire family…