Ben disconnected the call and hurried back into the church's large multipurpose room. Today it was a prayer center. "Hey, everybody!" he cried out. He was usually careful not to interrupt prayer, but this was a distinctly unusual situation.
Groups sat in clumps around the sanctuary, a buzz of whispers emanating from each. The buzz faded as faces turned toward Ben.
"Craig just called—they're pretty sure Zach's still on the run and that he's somewhere at Pike Place Market, but he's hiding away, scared. They can't find him, but a lady saw him less than half an hour ago. Craig wants as many people as possible to come down there and help search for him, especially people Zach knows. They need eyes—lots of them!"
Instantly, people around the room roused, standing and pulling their coats or sweatshirts on. "Listen!" Ben yelled over the rising commotion. "We'll meet by the Fish Market for instructions. Any questions?"
"I'll bring the bus around to the front!" one of the deacons called out, and the clusters of people coalesced into one large mass as they crowded toward the exits. Five minutes later, the bus was loaded and on its way into the center of downtown, a short drive even in rush hour traffic. Ben only hoped they would arrive soon enough to save his nephew.
*****
The Boy Who Appeared from the Rain Page 113