CHAPTER Eight:

   Riley and Lauren were silent as they drove along, and it wasn’t because they were strangers. They hadn’t spoken much since she’d moved to town, and Riley hadn’t shown any interest in being friends. Word in town was that she was a wonderful vet’s assistant, but you wouldn’t know it by meeting her. 

   Lauren’s mind was on other things. Grant’s warnings, for one. He had a right to worry. She was usually so careful and particular about things like this. Why had she decided to be impulsive? 

   “Where should I drop you off?” she asked Riley as they neared the driveway. 

   “I’m just going a few doors down from your house. No need to go out of your way, I can walk the rest.”

   “Nonsense, I’ll take you there.” Lauren remembered her manners even with her anxiety growing. “Do you mind if we stop at my place first? Raymond Howland is supposed to be watching...” It was too complicated to explain. 

   “It’s fine.” 

   They turned off the road. The driveway was empty. Buttercup was upset, clucking angrily from the garden. Lauren put the truck in park, then jumped out. 

   “Is everything alright?” Riley called after her. 

   Lauren didn’t stop to answer. She ran inside, the screen door slamming behind her. The pancake batter was sitting right where she’d left it, and a stray cherry tomato was rolled under the table. 

   “Willow! Raymond?” Lauren called for them.

   The lights were off. Maybe it was just a prank. It was just Raymond’s style. He’d hide somewhere to try and make her panic. Payback. 

   “Is anyone here?” This time, Lauren sounded more commanding. “This isn’t funny!”
   There was no response. She stomped through all the rooms in the house, checking dark corners and behind the couch. 

   “No.” She closed her eyes in horror. She hadn’t been looking after Willow for very long, and she’d already messed up.

   Riley climbed out of the truck and hesitantly entered the house. She could hear the hollering from outside. 

   “They’re gone?” She looked around the room, then back at Lauren.

   “Yes.” Without a warning, Lauren turned and dashed back to the truck. 

   Riley was on her heels. They drove back to town in record time. Riley held on tight as they screeched to a stop in front of the Howland family’s house.

   Lauren’s face was burning with anger as she marched up to the door. She pounded on it, loud enough to wake anyone who might be taking an evening nap.

   Footsteps sounded, and the door swung open as she raised her fist to knock again.    Claire Howland stood in front of her, surprise registering on her face. 

   “What in the world is going on?” Her shock quickly turned to annoyance. “Don’t you know what time it is? The bank is closed!”

   “Where is Willow?” Lauren’s voice shook with anger.

   The blonde woman crossed her arms. “I don’t know what or who you’re talking about.”
   “Raymond was supposed to be looking after Willow! Where is he?”

   “Why would I know where is?” Mrs. Howland began to look offended.

   “He’s your son, maybe that’s why.” Riley was slightly calmer than Lauren, and she tried to diffuse the situation. 

   Hurt flashed across Claire’s eyes. “You think he tells me where he goes?”

   “Please,” Lauren’s anger gave way to desperation as she resorted to begging. “Don’t you have any clue?”

   “He’s a grown man. I’ve been at work all day, I really...” she sighed. “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” She slammed the door shut.

   Lauren’s jaw dropped. She raised her fist to knock again. 

   “She obviously knows nothing,” Riley said, shrugging. 

   “Or she doesn’t want to tell us,” Lauren muttered.

   What now? She looked around, trying to decide what to do next. There weren’t many hours of daylight left. They weren’t worth wasting on Claire.

She looked down the road, towards the police station. Grant. His shift was over, but he would be home. Where else would he be? She started running towards his townhouse. 

Riley watched her go, and shook her head. She climbed into the truck and took the driver’s seat. 

   “Grant!” Lauren burst through the door, out of breath from her sprint. 

   “What is it?” He jumped up from the sofa and his eyebrows knit together. “Is it Willow?”

   “She’s gone.” Lauren’s words tumbled over each other in a blur of tears and panic. “No one was there when I got home, Raymond’s car was gone. Claire won’t tell us where he is!”

   Grant jumped into action. He grabbed his jacket by the door and rushed after her, hair askew. 

   “She doesn’t know, or she won’t tell you?” 

   “She says she doesn’t know.”

   Riley was waiting outside with Lauren's truck. Grant pointed a finger at her. “Wait right here. If you haven’t heard from us within the hour, I want you to go to the station and tell my dad to start a search party.”

   He stepped towards his truck. The station only owned two police cars, and they belonged to the sheriff and whichever deputy was on duty. He was neither at the moment. 

   Lauren climbed into the passenger seat. 

   “Did he say anything before you left? Any hints of where he might be?” Grant started his truck. 

   Lauren searched through her memory. She was drawing up a blank, and she hated herself for it. He must have said something!

   “I don’t remember. The last thing I told him was to stay put.”

   “Are you completely sure no one was at your house?”

   “Yes.” She buckled her seatbelt. “I checked every room.”

   “Let’s head back there and look around the yard a bit more. He might have left her alone, and she wandered off.”

   They sped towards the house. Lauren buried her face in her hands. “We’re never going to find her, and this is all my fault.”

   It was more than a sense of obligation. Willow was her sister – like it or not, and she did care for the girl. After all the grousing she’d done about Charlotte being irresponsible, here she was losing the girl altogether.

   “We will find her.” Grant’s words were firm.

   “I hope so.”

   Lauren started thinking back to all the sharp words she’d exchanged with her. How she’d pushed her away and shrugged her off. It wasn’t Willow’s fault that any of this had happened, so why hadn’t she extended some grace? Some patience. Compassion. Maybe even a little love. 

   “Don’t beat yourself up about this, Lauren.” Grant sensed where her thoughts were going, and he glanced over at her. 

   “I can’t help it.”

   The fields sped by. It was getting dark, and that worried her and Grant even more. 

   “At least it won’t be hard to identify Raymond’s car if we pass it,” he tried to joke, but it fell flat. “Why is he like this? Why does he always pick you to be the subject of his cruel actions?”

   “I don’t know.” Lauren shook her head. “I beat him in the potato sack race at the fair?    And why should he care so much about my debts?”

   They drove in silence for the last few minutes. The car turned suddenly into the driveway, and Lauren slid into the window.

   “You were right when you told me I shouldn’t have left her with him. If I hadn’t been so stupid...”
   Grant pulled to a stop and turned to Lauren. “This wasn’t your fault.” The muscles in his jaw twitched. “When I find Raymond... He’s going to hear it from me.” 

   Lauren tried to take comfort from that, but she knew she’d find no comfort until Willow was found, safe and sound. Grant went to look around the property, looking for clues. Lauren waited, leaning her head against the window. If only she could get her hands on Raymond... 

   Grant returned. 

   “Find anything?”

   He shook his head grimly and turned the truck out of the driveway. As they pulled onto the road, a cellphone began to ring. Grant fished in his pocket and pulled it out, then handed it to Lauren. 

   “Hello?”

   “I found him!” Riley’s voice sounded frantic on the other side of the line. “Mr. Stevens said to call you.”

   “Where is he?” Lauren asked. 

   “Silver-Bell Creek,” she said. “They’re having a party – there are boats and cars all over the place. By the bridge.”
   “We’ll meet you there!” The phone cut out before Lauren could thank her. “He’s down at the creek, drive faster Grant!”
   His knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel. 

   “Is it as bad as I think?” he growled. 

   “I hope not.” Lauren clutched the edge of her seat. “It’s stupid, I should’ve guessed – he told me about it last week.”

   It seemed like Claire should’ve known too, thought Lauren. Too late to do anything about that. The town’s welcome sign came into view, a blur as they passed it. 

   What if Willow had fallen in the creek? Lauren thought of all the worst case scenarios. Were there life jackets? Raymond no doubt wouldn’t even think to give one to her. 

   They made it to the bridge in record time. Lauren’s truck was parked next to the road, at the end of a long line of cars. Riley was already out searching. The black mustang was there.

   Grant grabbed a flashlight from behind the seats, then jumped out of the truck. It was getting dark now. Lauren followed him, sliding down the embankment towards the shore.

   The sand crunched under their feet as they ran along the creek, leaving a trail of footprints behind them. 

   “Where are they?” Grant’s voice dripped with impatience. 

   There was an unusually cool breeze blowing off the water. How are people swimming in this weather, Lauren wondered, wrapping her arms around herself.

   “Here, take my jacket.” Grant slowed and pulled it off.

   “I’m fine,” Lauren said weakly, thinking of Willow running around in short sleeves and sandals. Grant draped it over her shoulders anyway. “Thank you.”

   In the glow of the flashlights, they could see a hash of footprints. It would be impossible to make out Willow’s. 

   Music pounded, faintly. They rounded a bend along the shoreline and finally found the party.

   There were two boats that someone must’ve launched from the boat launch, and at least five smaller inflatable ones. Grant and Lauren came to a standstill, intimidated by just how many people there were. They spoke loudly and wore glow-stick necklaces that cast neon light against their faces.

   “How will we ever find her in this mess?” Lauren shouted to Grant, so he could hear her over the music. 

   Riley came running towards them, her pants rolled up to her knees. She’d been wading, trying to talk to some of the people nearest the shore. 

   “Nothing yet!” she shouted. “No one has given me any clear answers! They won’t take me seriously.”

   “We will find her,” Grant said. “We’re not giving up this easily.”

​

ef

 

   They searched for half an hour, with no results. Raymond was doing a good job hiding, maybe he’d floated somewhere off down the creek. 

   A tear ran down Lauren’s cheek and she quickly wiped it away. Her head ached from the pounding beat of the music. She dropped to her knees in the sand and did the only thing she had left to do. 

   “Dear Lord, You know exactly where Willow is,” she whispered. “Please, please help us find her. Keep her safe. Amen.”

   Grant squeezed her shoulder, then helped her up. Riley looked on with a disapproving expression. 

   “Let’s get back to doing something useful,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.

   “What? Everything we’ve done so far tonight has been fruitless. This is probably the most useful thing I’ve done all night.” Lauren snapped back at her.

   Grant stepped between them. “Not now.”

   “You actually think someone was listening to you just now?” Riley scoffed. 

   “I’d be mighty grateful if you kept your opinion to yourself right now.” Grant raised an eyebrow at her. “A little girl is missing, and if anything is going to waste time, it’s arguing.”

   Emotions were running high, and it was not the time to get into a debate about religion. Riley pressed her lips together and turned her back to them.

   “You lookin’ for someone?” A voice drawled. 

   The three of them stared at the young man, speechless. 

   “A little girl,” Lauren finally broke the silence. “Brown hair. She came with Raymond Howland.”

   “Yes...” the man seemed deep in thought for a moment. “She went that way. Probably just missed you on the way in.” His hand swung in the direction of town. 

   “Thank you.” Lauren nearly hugged him, she was so thankful. If it weren’t for the smell of alcohol emanating from him, she might have.

   “Where’s Raymond?” Grant asked. 

   The man grinned, lopsidedly. “Over there, in that boat.”

   They all looked in the direction he pointed. Sure enough, there was Raymond, his arms slung around two girls. His sister sat across from him.

   “That boy,” Grant’s eyes narrowed at him.

   Lauren wanted to go throw him out of the boat, but she knew finding Willow was at the top of the list. 

   “You two head after her,” Grant said. “I’ve got some business to tend to here.” He gave them the flashlight. 

   “We’ll call you if we can’t find her,” Lauren said, turning to leave. 

   “One more thing,” Grant said, turning to Riley absentmindedly. “Looks like Lauren’s prayers weren’t so useless after all.”

   Riley rolled her eyes. “We haven’t found the girl yet.” 

   They hurried back along the beach, up to the truck. 

“Everyone out of here, NOW!” Grant’s voice boomed over the crowd behind them. “I’m the Sheriff, and I’m here for Raymond Howland!”

   Everyone began scrambling out of boats and swimming toward the beach. 

   Lauren and Riley climbed up the embankment towards the road, then got into the truck. The keys were still in the ignition. Lauren turned them, but the truck only sputtered. She groaned. 

   “Your ‘God’ should’ve thought to start your truck,” Riley muttered as she tried again. 

   Lauren ignored the barbed remark. She climbed out of the truck and started running down the road into town, calling out Willow’s name.

   They were almost back in town when the flashlight’s rays illuminated her small form, plodding alongside the road. 

   “Willow!” Lauren cried. 

   The little girl turned. Lauren reached for her and cradled her in her arms. Willow clung to her. 

   “I thought I’d lost you.” Lauren planted a kiss on Willow’s hair. 

   “Are you okay, kiddo?” Riley asked softly, taking off her button-up to use as a blanket. She shivered in her tank top. “Doesn’t look like there are any broken bones, at the very least.”

   “I’m scared,” Willow answered between sobs.

   “You don’t have to be afraid anymore,” Lauren carried her back towards the bridge.    “Let’s go home.” 

   This time, the truck started up on the first try.

 

hg

 

   Charlotte Quinley sat on a bright red stool, trying not to look bored. Across from her sat a woman about the same age. Mia’s hair was cut into a pixie, a neon lime streak falling over her eyes. Charlotte forced herself not to stare, mesmerizing as it was.

“I understand completely.” Mia reached forward and squeezed her hand. “If you don’t mind me giving you some advice...” She began a long winded explanation about why children should never drink cold water as it would give them migraines.

   Charlotte held back a yawn and forced a smile. If she was forced to listen to this woman much longer, she would have a migraine. Her legs had already fallen asleep, and she felt about ready to die from boredom. 

   “Out of curiosity’s sake,” she cut her off mid-sentence. “Do you have any children?”

   “A look of panic crossed Mia’s face, and she scratched her head. It was just as Charlotte had expected. She tried not to look too smug.

   “Oh... well...” Mia was clearly at a loss for words, for the first time in two hours. “Not yet, but I want to learn these things anyway-”

   “What a shame, when you are already an expert!” Charlotte slapped her thighs and stood up. “Well, when can I expect to hear back from you?”
   If Mia had been offended, she didn’t show it. Instead, she looked around the salon. “I’m pretty busy, but you are my last interview. Glad to get them over with,” she grinned, “you wouldn’t believe how much some of those women could talk. Well, I should get back to you within the next few days.”

   Charlotte swung her purse over her shoulder. “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.” She did not look forward to it.

   “My pleasure.” Mia shook her hand. “However things turn out, I really do hope I’ll be seeing you around. And if you ever, ever, need anyone to talk to, you can call me.” She passed over a lime green business card. 

   Charlotte took it, then hurried out the door. It shut behind her, and once she was sure she was alone, she let out a long sigh. Silence at last.

   “I’m glad that’s over,” she muttered under her breath as she stepped off the curb and made her way across the parking lot. 

   From the moment she had walked in the door and the hairdresser had clapped eyes on her, words had come tumbling out non-stop. Could I work with someone like her? Charlotte wasn’t sure.

   She’d been peppered with questions and had all her business nosed into, until her head spun. Of course, somehow she’d managed to blurt that she had a daughter, again.

   If Mia had talked a lot before then, oh boy, she’d gone into overdrive. No longer was she just the nosy hairdresser, oh no. Now she was a nutritionist, counsellor and pediatrician. Charlotte could have filled a set of encyclopedias with everything Mia had said. What nerve, especially when she didn’t have kids herself. 

   Charlotte knew she needed a job, desperately. But was this one worth it? She opened her car door and looked back at the salon. 

   Even the building was obnoxious. Psychedelic swirls made up a mural on the front of it. Bright green, red and yellow, matching the walls inside. It was in a nice part of town. The wages were good, but they depended upon the place being busy.

   Charlotte sat down and pulled the pins out of her hair, one by one. She’d spent over an hour on it in the morning, trying to get it set in a perfect updo. It wasn’t easy when she only had the small mirrors in the car to use. But it had turned out well and impressed even an advanced hairstylist. 

   Now it tumbled down to her shoulders in loose waves. She sighed in relief and massaged her throbbing temples. It hadn’t been worth the effort. 

   Flipping the mirror up again, she sat and tried to decide what to do next. It would’ve been nice to be able to rent a hotel room, but the only thing she could afford was some dingy place that probably had bedbugs. Her car wasn’t a very comfortable place to sleep, but it was better than that.

   The only real qualifications she had were in hairstyling. It had been pure chance that she’d met Lacey when she left home. She hadn’t even finished high school at the time. As an adult she’d taken some tests to complete it, when she realized how important it was. 

   Lacey had taken her under her wing and taught her everything she knew about hair. It would come in useful someday, though it hadn’t yet. Charlotte was running out of options.

   The heat of the day seemed to multiply as it reflected off the grey pavement. Charlotte was getting sick and tired of cement and skyscrapers. What she wouldn’t give to see a tree or an open field of grass. Maybe her visit home had made her sentimental.

   There were more jobs in the city than in the country, and Charlotte knew it. She’d just have to put up with it.

   “I’ll find a job soon.” She started the car. “Willow, I promise to be back for you soon.”