Several hours have passed while Officer Timothy Claremont searched every available database for information about a missing child named Raven Cross. He combed through local police records, regional jurisdictional reports, and even the national missing child registry, following the standard UK procedures from the early 1990s. But no matter how thoroughly he searched Greater London and the surrounding districts, not a single case matched Raven's description—a blue-haired girl, with violet eyes, no child named Raven Cross has been reported missing. Eventually, Timothy returned to where Raven waited quietly at the desk, her legs swinging just slightly beneath the chair. His expression was heavy with restrained disappointment.
"My dear, I haven't found any cases of missing children matching your description in London or Greater London. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I don't believe your parents have filed a missing persons report for you."
Raven lowered her head, letting her bangs cast a shadow over her eyes. Her gaze softened as she channeled a subtle look of sadness. Her voice quivered just enough.
"Officer Timmy, I told you I couldn't remember my parents."
Her eyes shimmered faintly, on the verge of tears. She kept her posture timid, her fingers curling slightly around the edge of the chair. Internally, she was already smiling.
I better play this out properly. I have to appear sad.
Her face remained the picture of vulnerability as she glanced up at him again.
Ha. My acting is as flawless as ever. I even fooled my father, Trigon, with this move many times. That's how I kept escaping from his clutches. He's such a sucker.
She studied Timothy's expression.
And this officer here looks like another born sucker. There's one of these guys born every minute.
Timothy leaned down a bit, his frown deepening with compassion.
"It's okay, my dear. You don't need to cry. We're going to make sure you're taken care of."
His voice softened further as he continued.
"I've already contacted the local authorities. They're going to arrange for you to be placed in a children's home here in the area."
He gestured gently, trying to reassure her.
"Why don't you come with me? The house mother there will make sure you're comfortable and properly settled in. You won't have to worry about food, clothing, or expenses. Everything has already been taken care of."
He added, more thoughtfully now.
"We're prepared for situations like this. Occasionally, children do turn up who've been abandoned or who suffer from memory loss. It isn't entirely unexpected in a country as large as ours."
Raven blinked slowly and sniffled once, composing herself. She sat straighter and looked up at him with soft, grateful eyes.
"Thank you, Officer Timothy. You're such a nice police officer. You're one of the nicest adults I've ever met."
Timothy's ears turned red.
"W-Well, my dear, I am a police officer. It's my duty to protect and serve."
He cleared his throat, clearly trying to maintain his composure.
"Why don't you come with me? I'll take you to the Applewood Home for Wayward Children."
A short while later, Timothy's patrol car rolled to a quiet stop in front of the Applewood Home. The building was surrounded by a tall black iron fence, its points dull with age. The house itself had the appearance of a large three-story manor, the kind that seemed permanently damp from the English weather. Moss and shadow lined the edges of the old brick walls. Gray skies loomed overhead, and the faint smell of wet stone hung in the air.
Timothy looked down at Raven as he opened the passenger door.
"My dear Raven, we've arrived. Why don't you follow me inside?"
He pointed to the entry.
"You'll meet the house mother. She's employed by the government to make sure all the children here are properly cared for, educated, and given a chance at a good future."
Still holding his hand, Raven stepped out of the car and nodded softly.
"Thank you, officer."
They walked up the gravel path and through the main doorway.
Inside, the house was quiet. Worn carpets lined the floors, and the smell of old wood and tea leaves drifted faintly through the entryway. As they stepped inside, a woman in her mid-forties walked toward them with a clipboard in one hand. She wore a modest skirt and blouse, her blonde hair tied into a neat bun. Her green eyes met Timothy's with polite recognition.
"Officer Timothy Claremont. I haven't seen you around these parts in quite some time."
She glanced down at Raven with curiosity and mild concern.
"I see you've found another child wandering the streets alone, haven't you?"
Timothy sighed under his breath.
"I don't try to make a habit of it, Claire. But lately, it just keeps happening."
He gestured to Raven beside him.
"This is Raven Cross—the little girl I told you about. She doesn't have any memories of her family or how she woke up in the alley I mentioned."
He added with a quiet firmness.
"I told her we were bringing her here so she could receive the proper care and attention she needs."
Claire nodded once, taking in the situation. Raven stepped forward.
"Hello."
Claire smiled gently.
"Hello, dear. I'm Claire Thompson."
Raven tilted her head up slightly.
"My name is Raven Cross."
Claire crouched a little and nodded warmly.
"Welcome to the Applewood Home for Wayward Children, Raven."
Raven hesitated, then shook her head faintly.
"I didn't run away from home, miss."
Claire chuckled and waved the thought aside.
"Oh, I know you didn't. We're basically an orphanage."
She straightened again and softened her voice.
"We'll make sure you have everything you need—food, clothing, rest, education. You'll even have your own room."
She looked directly at her and continued.
"If your parents are ever found, you can choose to return to them. Or, if not, we'll make sure you're placed with a proper family when the time comes."
Raven nodded slightly.
"Okay. Thank you so much, Claire."
Claire turned to Timothy, her tone shifting to a more official cadence.
"I've already been filled in on the situation by your precinct and by you over the phone. Why don't you head back now? I'll get Raven settled in."
Timothy nodded with a faint smile.
"Thank you, Miss Thompson."
He turned back to Raven and gave her a parting look.
"Don't worry, Raven. I'll be in touch. If you need anything, you know how to get ahold of me. I'm only a call away."
Raven raised her hand and gave a small wave.
"Thank you, Officer Timmy. You're such a nice adult."
Timothy scratched the back of his head, nearly stumbling over his own feet as he stepped backward.
"It's all in a day's work, little lady. My, aren't you a little princess."
He laughed under his breath.
"Kids your age are getting nicer and nicer these days."
He gave one last look, then turned and walked back to his patrol car, whistling softly.
Raven turned to Claire.
"Miss Claire, what should we do now?"
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