Goodbye,Husband

At the late-night police station, the task force was still grinding away on my case. Xander called for a break and Steven went to grab a sandwich.

One of his colleagues teased him, "Hey, Mr. Craig, how's a married guy with a fan club of ladies like you ending up in the line for food with us single dudes? What about your wife? Didn't she come to deliver your midnight snack tonight?"

Steven's face darkened and his sandwich hit the table. "Why bring her up? It's gross."

Xander sensed tension. "Yeah, it's been a while since we saw your wife around. She used to show up with snacks whenever you pulled an all-nighter."

Steven shot him a look. "All those snacks end up in your belly, don't they? Still hungry?"

Xander's expression turned serious. "Seriously though, is your wife okay? Is she... missing?"

Steven snorted. "Missing? If she had any backbone, I'd respect her. She's like a pesky little dog, always underfoot. It's been quiet for two days now, so can we stop talking about her?"

Standing on the sidelines, I smirked. Husband, you wouldn't have to put up with me nagging you anymore. Must be a relief.

"Mr. Young, we've ID'd the body!" A cop barged in, waving the DNA results, but his face was twisted in an ugly mix of emotions.

Xander reached for the results, but the cop hesitated. "I think Mr. Craig should take a look first...."

Steven looked up, puzzled. "Why me? I'm not the head who is in charge to crack the case. Why show it to me?"

Xander glanced at the results and his expression turned serious. "Your wife... have you been in touch with her lately?"

"Yeah, she even sent me a voice message a few days back."

"A few days? Has it been more than three days?"

Steven's eyes widened as realization dawned. He shot up from his seat. "What are you saying?"