The two officers raced into the raging storm. Jonathan watched through the drone camera as their cruiser pulled up on the gravel access road near where the backpack had been spotted. He guided the drone lower, allowing the officers to glimpse Mia’s belongings up close. They quickly cordoned off the area.

Soon more personnel arrived – detectives, forensic units, and volunteer search teams. They worked urgently under canopy tents and tarps, documenting the evidence. The orange backpack was carefully photographed, then bagged and tagged. What the heck had he gotten himself into?