missing for 24 hours. her loved ones prayed for the best and launched into action. carifriend and dance instructor, who also happened to be a cop, organized a search party. >> and we had our back backs on, and good walking shoes and snacks and towels and water. >> reporter: around lakes, trails, and railroad tracks, cari and the other women searched methodically, not knowing what they might find. >> and i told all the girls, y'all be prepared because we might find her, okay? >> your foot hits something hard and you think, oh, my god, is that her? but it's a branch, and you just never know with each step. >> reporter: her best friend melissa struggled with her worst fears. >> it was just absolutely terrifying because just thinking of her being scared and hurt made you sick. >> reporter: to put together the puzzle of what had happened to heather and what she meant by that disturbing goodbye email detective kemp wanted to know more about heather, starting with her relationship with chris. >> i wanted to know more about their marriage, and what's been going on between them t