**Chapter 11: Unraveling the Truth**

The fluorescent lights in the interrogation room hummed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the tense scene unfolding before me. Maya's words hung in the air like a challenge, and I could sense Detective James's determination to uncover the truth. The officer's eyes narrowed slightly as she scribbled some notes on her pad, her expression a mixture of empathy and professionalism. "I see," Detective James said, her voice measured. "So, you're saying that the police didn't believe you when you reported what Ethan had done to you?" Her eyes locked onto Maya's, searching for any hint of deception. Maya nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "They didn't believe me. They thought I was just a crazy teenager trying to get attention. They didn't investigate, and they charged me with making false accusations. I was 16 years old, and my reputation was ruined." I felt a surge of anger on Maya's behalf, and I squeezed her hand reassuringly. Detective James's expression turned grim, and she leaned forward, her elbows on the table. "I'm so sorry that happened to you, Maya," she said, her voice sincere. "But I want you to know that we're taking your allegations seriously now. We're going to investigate Ethan's death and Alex's disappearance, and we're going to get to the bottom of this." Maya's eyes flicked up to Detective James's, and I could see a glimmer of hope there. For the first time in a long time, she looked like she might finally be able to find some closure. "Thank you," Maya said, her voice barely above a whisper. Detective James nodded, her expression firm. "I want to ask you something else, Maya. Do you know anyone who might want to hurt Alex? Anyone who might be connected to Ethan's past?" Maya's eyes dropped to the floor, and she hesitated before speaking. "There was someone," she said, her voice hesitant. "A man who worked with Ethan. His name was Victor. He was...he was one of Ethan's friends." I felt a shiver run down my spine as Maya mentioned the name. There was something about it that sounded familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. "Do you know anything about Victor?" Detective James asked, her eyes locked onto Maya's. Maya nodded, her eyes still downcast. "I saw him a few times when I was...when I was with Ethan. He was always around, watching me. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I wonder if he might have been involved in Ethan's death." Detective James's expression turned thoughtful, and she nodded. "We'll look into Victor," she said. "But in the meantime, I want to make sure you're safe, Maya. I'm going to assign an officer to watch over you and your...friend here." She glanced at me, and I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. As Detective James left the room to make some phone calls, Maya turned to me, her eyes searching. "I'm sorry I had to tell her all that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I pulled her close, holding her tightly. "You don't have to apologize, Maya," I said. "You're doing the right thing. You're telling the truth, and that's all that matters." Maya's eyes flicked up to mine, and I could see the fear and uncertainty there. But I could also see a glimmer of determination, a sense that she was finally taking control of her life. "I'm not going to let them silence me again," she said, her voice firm. I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and admiration for Maya. She was a survivor, and she was going to make sure that her story was heard.