I was struck again by Mischa’s beauty as she gave us a welcoming smile, and invited us into her home.
We made ourselves comfortable in the posh sitting room. Not quite as stylish and modern as the Hendersons’ residence, this home had a more traditional décor, no bursts of color or surprises.
We were told that Mischa had already been interrogated by the detectives, but she and her family would do anything to assist in the search for Haley. Which was why they welcomed us with open arms.
More drinks were offered, more coffee and tea served. Mrs. Anderson also served raspberry cream cookies, straight from the box, but still a nice touch. Leo was on his third cup of coffee today, and I wondered when he started drinking coffee, and if he’d have a hard time falling asleep that night.
I had to go pee, and on my way down the hall, I studied the family photos on the wall. Mischa, her parents, and her older brother Keith, who was studying at Columbia. Not only was Mischa very pretty, but she also seemed so grown up. Unlike me, she was curvy and sexy. Next to her, I felt like a twelve year old boy. My mother would have called her a modern Marilyn Monroe. My mother’s kind of obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and has made me suffer through a few of her movies – I’m really not a fan of classic films.
Initially, I’d thought there might have been something inappropriate going on between her and Mr. Henderson, but that was clearly not the case. But yet, there was still something about Mischa that was a bit off. And I couldn’t wait to get into her brain.
“Where are you thinking of going to college?” Simone was asking her when I came back from my washroom break.
Mischa sat up straighter, like she was at the principal's office. “Columbia, like my brother, maybe. Or possibly Harvard or Brown--”
“Mischa is an excellent student,” her father broke in. “The world is her oyster.”
Both her parents smiled, clearly very proud.
Leo suddenly perked up. “Haley’s been here. In this house.” It wasn’t so much a question, as it was a statement… a certainty.
Simone straightened to attention. “What do you see, Leo?”
“I see her sitting right there,” he pointed in front of the fireplace. “She’s playing with large Legos. She’s smiling up at Mischa.”
Mischa and her mother both smiled. “Yes, Mischa used to bring Haley over all the time,” Mrs. Anderson explained. “Jenna welcomed it. Haley loves it here.”
All of them were suddenly overtaken by sadness. The emotion was so powerful, it wrapped around all of us for a long moment. I sensed no nerves or guilt, only a deep sorrow, and a longing to find Haley. Like I sensed before, Mischa clearly loved Haley.
“Mr. and Mrs. Anderson,” Simone started. “Would you be open to letting Mischa talk with my students?”
Mr. Anderson shifted uncomfortably in his armchair. “I don’t… I don’t see how it could help. Mischa already spoke with the investigators. She doesn’t know anything.”
I sensed reluctance from him which was understandable. He was only trying to protect his daughter. He didn’t strike me as a loving man, but he was definitely protective of his daughter. His dark aura was in contrast to his wife and daughter's bright auras.
“Yes, I understand,” Simone said. “Our students are not investigators. They’re gifted at getting deeper into emotions and the subconscious. They might be able to unearth something new.”
He shrugged. “Well, if you think it could help,” he conceded. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt.”
Simone turned to Mischa. “Do you mind talking to Leo and Anna?”
She swallowed hard, clearly nervous. It was obvious that she didn’t really want to talk to us. Her gaze darted across the both of us. First over Leo, and then me. She rubbed the back of her neck, and her shirt rode up, revealing a pierced navel, which I was sure her parents didn’t approve of. She bit her lip. “I… I kinda only want to talk to you,” she said, looking straight at me.
“Oh, that’s fine,” Simone said. “If that makes you feel more comfortable. Anna is great.”
I felt faint for a split second. I much preferred when I had my sidekick. But I also felt flattered to be chosen, although it made complete sense that she’d want to talk to another girl. Girl power and all that. And maybe Leo was a little intimidating with his dark brooding good looks.
I smiled, attempting to look friendly. For the next little while, she and I would be besties. “Can we go to your room?” I asked. I can always read someone better when I’m surrounded by their things. A person’s belongings says so much about them. If you really want to know someone, look through their stuff – no mind reading skills needed.
She smiled, nodded, and stood. “Come.”
20
Inipped at her heels as we walked up the spiral staircase to the second floor landing. More pictures of their perfect family lined the walls, mixed with expensive looking art.
Weird. Her room was spotless. That was NOT normal. Was she a full grown mature adult in the body of a teenager?
Her bed was made. Her room looked like a furniture showroom; shades of whites and pinks. It brought back a sweet memory; Kylie jumping on one of the bed displays at Ikea. My mom was screaming at her to get off. It was pretty funny.
