339: Family Ties and Turbulence

Bauer stood slightly apart from the crowd, his phone pressed firmly to his ear as he navigated the complex emotional terrain of a family call. Emma had just finished her discussion with Alex and was preparing to leave when Bauer received his call. She paused, noting the change in Bauer's demeanor as he interacted with the caller, curiosity piqued by his apparent discomfort. "Alex seems to think his sister’s recent disappearance might be connected to some ominous phone calls she received," Emma relayed her earlier conversation to Bauer, hoping to glean some insight into his thoughts on the matter. "He’s concerned someone might be manipulating her against me. Honestly, though, I find it hard to believe they keep insisting I’m the problem when I’ve been nothing but supportive." Bauer listened thoughtfully, a frown etching deeper on his brow as he processed Emma’s frustrations. "It’s a difficult situation," he finally said, after ensuring his grandmother’s call was securely ended a