by Beth Carter
Ken ran his fingers through his hair. “Thank God.”
“Remember, she might be out having some teenage fun. Going on a joy ride or cruising Kearney Street. I’ll need the make and model of the suspect’s car to get this on our CCPD website and Facebook page.”
“I don’t think we have that.” Suzy glanced at Paige for confirmation. Paige shook her head.
“Too bad,” Tony said. “Is this someone your daughter could have met online?”
Suzy looked at Ken. He shrugged. “We don’t think so.” Her voice shook. “What can you do? I thought maybe you could help us since, well, Alex.”
Tony paused. “I know you and Alex are good friends, Suzy. I’ll call dispatch and get some patrol cars in your neighborhood right away. We’ll blanket the city. What were the girls wearing? Text me recent photos of them after we hang up. If you have a photo from their clothing last night even better.”
With Paige’s help, Suzy breathlessly described their clothes and physical descriptions. “I’ll forward photos of the girls in a minute.” Her voice broke. “Thank you so much.”
After Lt. Montgomery hung up, Suzy instructed Paige to find pictures of Nelly on Instagram or Facebook. Meanwhile, Suzy forwarded three close-up photos of Izzy to the cop.
Ken clenched his jaw and cursed. “Dammit to hell. How could this have happened? How could you have kept this ‘hot’ pizza guy conversation from me, Suzy?”
“Seems like you’ve kept a few se—” She bit her tongue. This wasn’t the time to discuss his ex. Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry. I never dreamed—”
Ken paced. “Let’s focus on finding Izzy. I’m going to drive around the neighborhood. I can’t sit here. I’ve got to do something. Anything.”
Suzy saw the distress in her husband’s face. “Paige and I are on it.” She glanced at the pale teen, who nodded. “We’ll find Izzy and Nelly.”
“We’d better find her.” Ken stormed from the room, keys jangling, and slammed the door.
Chapter 68
After they forwarded the photos of both girls to Lt. Montgomery, Suzy alerted the school’s security officer who agreed to form a search party after school if they were still missing. The security officer said he’d contact the teachers via an email blast. Within minutes, he called back and said some of the teachers had called in subs so they could join the search. A tearful Suzy thanked him.
After she contacted the school, Suzy called Paige’s mother, explained what had transpired, and asked if Paige could stay out of school to help her hang posters around town. Paige’s grateful, weepy mother naturally agreed.
Suzy placed the phone on speaker so she could dress while making calls. She donned yoga pants, a tee, and grabbed her purse. “Hurry, Paige. Time is of the essence. Let’s go to Staples and make posters.”
Paige’s cheeks reddened. “I’m really sorry.”
Suzy rushed toward the garage. “It’s not your fault. I’m glad you told me about that man last night. At least we have a lead. I should have told Ken about the pizza guy but can’t worry about that now.”
She drove to Staples, taking every side road possible and instructed Paige to search out the right window. “I’ll look left,” Suzy murmured. “We’ve got to find them.” They both peered side to side scanning every bush and tree while Suzy drove around the neighborhood several times. The girls were nowhere in sight. They seemed to have vanished.
~ ~ ~
They sat in the parking lot until the store opened. Paige sniffled as Suzy simultaneously eyed the entrance and checked her phone a hundred times. After an employee unlocked the front door, Suzy bolted inside with Paige on her heels.
A flustered Suzy explained the scary dilemma to a store clerk who immediately created flyers featuring the girls’ photos, height, weight, eye color, and other pertinent information including the clothes they were last seen wearing.
Suzy and Paige left the store with a stack of 200 posters and two staplers. Driving to a bustling area, Suzy parked and handed Paige half the flyers. “We need to work fast to get the word out.”
Paige nodded as she fumbled with a stapler. They worked in silence as they affixed the “Missing Person’s announcements to trees, telephone poles, and inside storefront windows. Businesses were opening for the day as early morning commuters rushed to work. And not one of them knew of their crisis. Not yet anyway.
Working hurriedly and in silence, Suzy and Paige plastered posters at every coffee shop, restaurant, grocery store, retail store, hair, and nail salon. They targeted businesses that had heavy foot traffic. After the pair coated several city blocks with flyers, they drove to a different neighborhood. While in a different parking lot, Suzy received a call from the school principal, Dr. Graves, expressing his concern. He asked her to bring a stack of posters to the school, explaining the security officer had notified him.
Asking if there were any updates, he said he’d make an announcement for students who had first hour free to come to the cafeteria for an emergency meeting. In a soothing voice, the principal said, “Try not to worry. We’ll get on this fast and blanket the area surrounding the school. We’ll have many volunteers. I’m sure of it.”
Between sniffles and blotting her teary eyes, Suzy managed a meager, “Thank you.” She wiped her nose with her sleeve since she held her phone with the other hand.
“Stay strong and keep me posted.” The principal hung up and immediately called back. “On second thought, email the attachment. We’ll print the posters here. It’ll save time.”
A grateful Suzy thanked him. “Having hordes of students plaster posters will give us a huge head start on finding Izzy and Nelly.”
Dr. Graves added, “I decided to cancel first hour, so students and faculty can canvass the area immediately.”
“That’s wonderful.” Suzy’s voice broke. “Ken and I appreciate your—”
Dr. Graves cut her off. “No need to thank me. Let’s find the girls. Hold on while I go the cafeteria.”
Suzy could hear his footsteps as the principal stepped through the school’s halls. She’d always wished they lived in the same district where Hope counseled but couldn’t be prouder of this man’s quick actions.
Dr. Graves’ voice brightened. “You should see the growing group in the cafeteria. Cheerleaders, basketball players, the drama club, the student council, and classmates of both Izzy and Nelly have gathered to distribute posters. We’ll plaster posters around Crystal City. Hang on.” He paused. “A couple of students just showed me their phones. Several have already taken to social media. That’s the fastest way to get the word out.” Suzy could almost hear him beaming through the phone. “Let’s get busy. Godspeed and good luck.”
Suzy’s red eyes brimmed with tears. She turned toward Paige. “Your principal is a good man. He just told me several students are volunteering and spreading the word on social media.”
Paige proudly held her cell in the air. “Yup. I’ve already posted the ‘Missing Teens’ info too.” She squinted at her screen. “Wow. Five hundred people have already shared it. I never get that many shares or likes.”
“That’s great. Really great. I’ll drop you off at home soon. I’m sure your mom is worried sick. Then I’m going back home to see if by chance Izzy and Nelly are there. Doubtful but—” Suzy rubbed her throbbing temples. They hung the last of the flyers in silence and walked hand in hand toward Suzy’s SUV. She dropped Paige off to a tearful, grateful mother who hugged both of them and asked how she could help. Suzy told her to hold on to her daughter and left.
After she pulled into the garage, Suzy stepped into the darkened kitchen and made a pot of strong coffee. She knew she and Ken would need it for likely the longest day and ensuing night of their lives. While the coffee brewed, she realized Ken was sitting in the dark in his favorite recliner. He surely heard her rattling around
but hadn’t bothered to greet her. Suzy decided to give her husband a wide berth and simply handed him a cup of strong, black coffee. After he took it without saying a word, her shoulders slumped. He blames me.
Ken stared at a muted television as if he were in a trance. Besides being exhausted physically and emotionally, Suzy was wrought with fear and guilt. As much tension as she and Izzy had, she certainly didn’t want this. She wanted her stepdaughter back unharmed.
Chapter 69
The trilling office phone made Alex jump. She answered while cradling the receiver between her ear and shoulder. “Alexandra Mitchell, Marketing.”
“Well, well,” Tony hissed, “I expected you to take the afternoon off with pretty boy. Meanwhile, I’m out searching for your friend’s daughter.”
Alex swiveled in her chair on high alert. “What are you talking about?”
“Seems your best friend’s stepdaughter and a friend are missing.”
“Oh, my God. Where? What happened?” Alex’s heart dropped. “Suzy must be scared out of her mind.”
“I’m sure she is. Hopefully, we’ll find Izzy and her friend sooner rather than later. Do you know the girl? Is she the type to run away?”
Alex shook her head, even though Tony couldn’t see her. “I’ve never met Izzy. Apparently, she and Suzy don’t get along very well.”
“So she could be a runaway?”
“Who knows? I’m not a detective. You are.” Alex closed her office door. “When did this happen?”
“Around dawn or before. They either snuck out a bedroom window or were abducted. Another friend was sound asleep on the floor.”
Alex sucked in her breath. “This is unbelievable.”
“Yep. Half of the CCPD is out in force. Suzy and her stepdaughter’s friend are hanging a bunch of posters around town. You can see the Missing Person’s Report on the CCPD Facebook page.”
Alex reached for her mouse. “I’m bringing the page up now.” She paused as she stared at images of Izzy and Nelly. Tears filled her eyes. “Suzy must be a wreck.”
“Before I get back to work, what’s up with that new bank customer? I saw the way he looked at you.”
Alex rolled her eyes. “Whatever. He lives in New York. He’s not exactly a threat.” She gritted her teeth. “We didn’t even go to lunch.”
Tony huffed. “If he lives in New York, why does he need an account at your bank?”
Alex shifted the receiver to her other ear. “I’m not talking about this now.”
Tony softened his tone. “I want to see you again. I don’t like this ‘space’ business.”
Alex knew he was testing her after the encounter with Gage.
She weighed her options. She was attracted to Gage but realized he might be back on the east coast any day, plus she wasn’t ready to throw away her relationship. Maybe I should give Tony another chance.
Impatiently, Tony said, “It just requires a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”
“God. Stop being such a cop. Okay, okay. I’ll see you again. Please text me any updates on Izzy.”
After they hung up, she picked at a salad on her desk in between endless calls to Suzy who never picked up. She’s obviously busy searching for her stepdaughter.
Alex texted Hope about the situation and opened several social media pages including Izzy’s Facebook page. A Missing Person’s poster was pinned to the top of her page, as well as the Crystal City Police Department’s Facebook page. There were already hundreds of shares, likely from Izzy’s student friends. Alex shared the poster on Facebook and Instagram too.
She hated feeling helpless and ignored the piles of work on her desk. She sent an email blast to every Show-Me Bank employee attaching photos of the girls, explaining her relationship to the teen’s mother, and asking everyone to keep their eyes open for Izzy and Nelly. Normally, her boss had a fit if employees used social media or sent personal emails during the work day but she knew this emergency would be an exception.
Chapter 70
Hope always kept her phone off during the day as an example to students, plus she enjoyed not being a slave to technology.
She paced and gave herself a pep talk before meeting with one of her student’s overbearing helicopter parents, knowing she had to intervene before the situation became worse.
After they exchanged pleasantries, they had an extended discussion about Jerry. Hope became exasperated when she obviously wasn’t getting through to them. All the parents wanted to discuss was their son’s grades and whether Jerry could retake tests or rewrite papers to improve his grade-point average.
Deciding to dispense with small talk, Hope leaned forward and animatedly made helicopter chop-chop noises. The parents appeared confused, obviously missing the point. “That’s what other students do behind Jerry’s back. He’s humiliated. I don’t want to give any of our students a reason to be bullied. To be frank, you’ve got to stop interfering. I’m concerned about him. Bullying leads to depression—or worse. You must stop meddling.”
The boy’s dad grimaced. When Jerry’s mother began with the “buts,” thankfully, the father said, “Enough, Phyllis. Enough. Didn’t you hear what Miss Truman said?” He reached across the table, shook Hope’s hand, and thanked her. Then he assisted his wife out of the chair and turned back to Hope. “You won’t see us again until graduation.”
Hope stood and shook their hands. “Thank you.”
~ ~ ~
Hope’s stomach growled as her office phone rang. She was so hungry she almost didn’t answer. “Hope Truman, Counseling Office.”
A chipper voice on the other end of the line said, “Hi, Hope. This is Cheri Van Buren. I’m in town. Can we meet?”
Hope’s eyes widened. Why would a New York socialite want to meet with me? “Sure. Just with me or with Alex and Suzy too?”
“Just you.”
Hope glanced at her wall clock. “I don’t have a long lunch period but sure. Where are you?”
Cheri laughed. “In the school parking lot.”
“In that case, come through the front doors and I’ll meet you. That is, if you don’t mind cafeteria food. Never mind, I’m sure you don’t eat cafeteria—”
“I’m on my way inside. I’d love to see the school.” Cheri hung up before Hope could reply.
She smoothed her frizzy hair as best she could, straightened her navy and white plaid blouse, and ambled toward the front wondering why Cheri wanted to see her, of all people. Alex, yes. Suzy, yes. But her?
Cheri stepped up the stairs like she owned the place. She wore a clingy leopard print dress, red pumps, and red sunglasses on top of her head. Hope noticed several of the male students gave her a once over and chuckled. The socialite grinned when she spotted Hope.
Hope began to shake Cheri’s hand but the New Yorker embraced her. “Can we eat somewhere quiet?”
“Schools aren’t exactly quiet.” She thought for a minute. “We can get our food and eat in the teachers’ lounge.”
Cheri nodded. “That works.”
After they entered the massive cafeteria, Cheri stared upward. Some of the panes of glass hadn’t yet been replaced and were taped like scars, bearing the marks of the tornado. After scanning the student-filled room, Cheri asked, “Is everything getting back to normal after the tornado?”
“We’re trying to move forward. Occasionally, a few students still break down when there’s a thunder storm or high wind.”
“It must have been traumatic. I can’t imagine.”
“It was.” Hope grabbed a tray for herself and handed one to Cheri.
Cheri followed suit as Hope added a plate, silverware, and napkin to her tray. “I drove around the neighborhood and saw the new construction outside. It looks like the three destroyed houses are already in the drywall stage.”
> Surprised by her knowledge, Hope said, “They were framed quickly. We’ve had tons of volunteers. It’s moving fast.”
“That’s wonderful.” Cheri filled her plate with salad greens, tomatoes, chopped broccoli, red onion, and balsamic dressing.
Meanwhile, Hope reached for a burger and fries. She chuckled as she pointed toward her food. “This is why you look like you do and why I’m overweight.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re beautiful.” Cheri scanned the room. “Lots of students attend this school. You guys were lucky the tornado missed Hilltop.”
“Yes, very lucky.” Tears pricked Hope’s eyes. Her emotions still ran high. “Follow me to the lounge. It’s quiet in there.”
For once, the teachers’ lounge was empty. Hope sat her tray on one end of the rectangular table. “We’re in luck but it may not last long.”
“I’ll talk fast before anyone comes in.”
Hope furrowed her brows. “I can’t imagine what this is about.”
Cheri took a bite of salad, a sip of Diet Coke, and wiped her mouth. “I’ll get right to the point. I want to help out with the tornado rebuilding.”
Hope swallowed a bite of hamburger. “With the construction? I can’t see you painting walls or hammering, but thanks. That’s kind of you.”
Cheri waved her hand. “No, I want to furnish the houses and provide appliances.”
Hope’s eyes bulged. “All three houses?”
Cheri’s head bobbed as she ate more salad. “Yes. All three. But I have a condition.”
Hope held a french fry in mid-air. “Name it.”
“I want to be an anonymous donor.”
With a wobbly voice, Hope managed to say, “Done. I’ll talk to Dr. Holmes and the neighbors, but I’m positive they’ll all be thrilled. One neighbor didn’t have insurance so the students have had some pizza fundraisers for them. I’m just thankful no one was killed.”