It's been nearly two months since the police last checked the location where Engfa Waraha and Charlotte Austin were last seen. Authorities continue to retrace their steps in hopes of uncovering any clues they may have missed. Sources reveal that they are no closer to finding the missing beauty queens. At this time, Tina Suppanad is the prime suspect in their kidnapping. If you spot her, please contact the police immediately.
The news reporter cleared his throat before continuing. In other news, Boss Nawat has remained in a coma for the past month. Doctors are still unable to determine why he suddenly collapsed and hasn't regained consciousness. It's a tragic blow to the Miss Grand company, but we remain hopeful that things will improve soon. He gave a brief nod before turning back to the station. Heidi switched off the TV, her face hardening.
Almost two months. Two months! The police aren't even close to catching Suppanad. And now... we don't even know if—
Nudee stood up suddenly, fury in her eyes. Don't you dare say it, Heidi! she snapped. They're not dead. They're alive. I know it. I'm sure of it.
Heidi scoffed in disbelief. How can you be so sure? She's not asking for a ransom, there's been no word at all. We have nothing.
Tina stepped in, wrapping her arms around Heidi, trying to soothe her. We all miss them, Hei, but turning on each other isn't going to help. We need to keep focused. Heidi sobbed into Tina's shoulder as Tina gently rubbed her back.
Marima's voice broke through the tension. They didn't find anything at the last hideout, right?
Chompu and Pichy exchanged a look, squeezing each other's hands for support.
We've been over this, Faye replied wearily. They combed through every inch of the place. All they found was a few traces of P'Fa and Char's DNA. No sign of the kidnappers. No evidence tying Suppanad to the case, other than Mario's claim about the fake movie. She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. He mentioned something about a trailer... Maybe Suppanad will release a video of them.
We've scoured the media, Nudee said, shaking her head. Nothing about a supposed movie. It was all just part of Suppanad's ruse to get Maurer to help.
The door swung open, and Champ burst into the room, breathless. He's awake.
The team rushed to the hospital, hearts pounding. After a brief police interview, they entered Nawat's room. The doctor gave a stern warning. Don't overwhelm him. We still don't know what caused the coma. You can only stay for a few minutes. After that, he needs rest.
Marima sat by his side, holding his hand. How are you feeling, Boss?
I'm okay, Nawat rasped, his voice thick with regret. I'm so sorry for not believing you girls before... Now, I know the truth. His voice faltered. I'm still processing everything, but I know that you were right.
Chompu knelt beside him. Did you see them? Are they alive? Are they okay?
Nawat nodded. They didn't recognize me, but they were close when I found them.
The team collectively exhaled in relief. What did you tell the police? Champ asked.
The truth, Nawat replied hoarsely. I told them about the game and what Suppanad said to me... she— He stopped, coughing roughly, and Faye quickly offered him a glass of water. Thank you. Suppanad sent me a letter before the kidnapping. He paused, looking at Heidi. I didn't think much of it. I get threats like that all the time, so I didn't take it seriously. She told me to give her Engfa, or she would take matters into her own hands. And... she did. He lowered his head. I told the police where to find the letter.
Heidi's face twisted with rage as she leaned closer to the bed. You could've stopped this. You did nothing to save them! Her voice trembled with anger. Tina tried to pull Heidi back, but Heidi resisted, her fury escalating. It's his fault they took Charlotte! Why didn't you say something before?! You could have protected them!
Nawat's breath grew shallow, his coughing worsening. The doctor rushed back in. That's enough. Everyone out. Now.
In the waiting room, the group struggled to digest the revelations.
There's something I don't understand, Faye said, breaking the silence. If Suppanad wanted Fa only, why take them both? She could've easily just kidnapped Fa. Why Charlotte too?
Champ, looking pensive, stood up. Let's go back to the company. Nawat needs to rest. I'll pick him up tomorrow when they discharge him.
Marima began to pace. We need to start from the beginning.
Champ grabbed a whiteboard and started outlining the facts. We know Nawat received a letter before the kidnapping. I took a photo of it before the police bagged it as evidence.
Chompu skimmed the letter. She sounds like a psycho as usual.
Tina entered the room, a concerned look on her face. Heidi's asleep. I gave her something to calm her down. What can I do to help?
Pichy gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Why don't you get some rest too, Tina? You've been taking care of her non-stop. We'll call you when we need you.
Tina nodded and left.
Chompu stood up, an idea forming. I'll check the security footage. Maybe something will pop up.
Champ handed her the password for the system, and Chompu set to work. Meanwhile, Sun sorted through folders. What about the private investigator? Did we get anything from him?
Pichy shook her head. He disappeared. Completely vanished. His number isn't in service anymore. Faye thought for a moment. What happened in the game? What did you do to progress?
We followed the game's instructions, Faye replied. When we were given choices, we made the right decisions. That's how they moved on to the next level, and I finished.
Champ leaned against the desk. What happened at the end?
Char sacrificed herself in my level, Faye said, eyes distant.
Pichy winced. Fa and Char teamed up against my character, Char knocked me out, and that was the last thing I saw in the game.
Chompu returned with a laptop. Check this out!
On the screen, a figure dressed as a mailman was seen leaving letters on top of a pile of mail. They wore a cap, obscuring their face, but as they got closer, the profile was unmistakable—Tina Suppanad.
Chompu froze the frame. Look! The team gathered around the laptop, staring at the unmistakable side profile. Suppanad had delivered the letter herself, at 4:19 PM—two days before the kidnapping.
Pichy's voice trembled. She was right here, and no one knew.
Champ let out a sigh, frustration and disbelief clear on his face. Chompu, what happened when you were in the game?
Chompu scratched her head. Fa's character broke up with me. She wanted to be with Char's character.
Sun slapped the table. That's it! From everything you've said, Fa and Char never seemed worried about the game. Suppanad must be making their characters end up together—so they'd feel at ease.
Faye snapped her fingers. What if Suppanad coated the letter she left for Fa with something that drugged her? And Char touched it by mistake and that's how she got them?
Champ frowned. But how would she know that they'd touch it?
Heidi, who had quietly entered the room, spoke up. Because Fa and Char always read their fan letters together. There was a moment of quiet before Heidi continued, her voice shaking. I've never told you this... The last night I spoke to Char, she was on her way to Fa's apartment. She was going to tell her how she felt.
Tina entered the room, looking relieved to find Heidi there. She approached and placed her hands on Heidi's shoulders. I can tell them, Hei.
Heidi nodded, tears spilling down her face. Char wanted to tell Fa the truth. She didn't understand her feelings, but she thought Fa should know and they could figure it out together. That night, she was finally going to do it. Heidi and Tina exchanged a quiet look. Then Tina spoke softly. I convinced Char to go. I told her she didn't need to be scared. Fa had always been honest about how she felt. Tina's voice broke. After Char called Fa to say she was coming over, she left her apartment. That was the last time we saw her.
Tears streamed down Heidi's face as she whispered, If I hadn't told her to go, she wouldn't have been taken.
Sun gently rubbed Heidi's back. Heidi, don't blame yourself. If she hadn't gone, Suppanad might have taken only Fa instead. It's a messed-up situation, but at least they are together in a way.
Heidi wiped her tears away, but they continued to fall. I just... I just wanted her to be happy.
Nudee, who had been reviewing the folders, suddenly looked up. Wait... It's here. She pulled out a file. We thought this was just a folder of fan letters. But Fa kept them separately, and I've got a feeling these are Suppanad's.
Dear Fa,
I saw you today, and somehow, you looked even more beautiful than yesterday. Every glance leaves me breathless, every smile stays with me long after you're gone. I wish words could capture even a fraction of what I feel for you. Maybe someday, you'll be ready to listen—and I'll be here, waiting.
Dear Fa,
I still can't understand why you choose her. You could have any woman in the world at your feet, and yet you settle for someone so ordinary. With me by your side, you'd shine the way you were always meant to. We were perfect once—can't you see we could be even better now?
Dear Fa,
Congratulations on your latest achievement. Watching you succeed is both inspiring and bittersweet. I wish I could be by your side, sharing the spotlight, standing next to you where I belong. Maybe someday, when the timing is right, we can create something truly unforgettable... even if it's just our own little home movie.
There were at least twenty of these letters. Tina never backed off, even after the restraining order was in place. Should we take these to the police? Nudee asked, her voice heavy with uncertainty.
Yes, but make sure to take pictures of everything first, Champ replied, his tone decisive. The police need every bit of help they can get. Wait here while I take these over there. And if any of you need to leave or want to go home, don't go alone. We don't know if Suppanad is tracking us.
Marima grabbed her bag without hesitation. Let me go with you then, she said, walking toward the door with Chompu and Champ. The tension in the room was thick, a heavy silence hanging over them. They had unearthed more pieces of the puzzle, but they were still no closer to discovering where the missing girls were being kept.
By midnight, exhaustion had overtaken them. Most of the team had drifted off to sleep at the table or sprawled out on the couch. They'd chosen not to leave the headquarters, finding some comfort in staying together. Marima and Champ were the only ones still awake, sipping coffee and methodically going through the printed pictures of the fan letters and the other files. They were making progress, but the sense of urgency lingered, gnawing at them.
Suddenly, the door slammed open, and a man stumbled into the room, covered in blood. The sight of him startled everyone awake.
They... they're alive! he gasped, barely able to stand.
Champ and Sun immediately stepped between the man and the girls, their bodies tense and ready. Who are you? Champ demanded, his voice low and protective.
I know where they are, the man said, his words strained. Then, his body gave out. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.