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“Are you worried?” she asks. I nod.
“Yes, absolutely, but her parents informed me that she’s gone to visit with Jimmy Kross for a little while. Evidently, he’s a nice kid, and they used to date, so I guess there’s nothing to be concerned about. Did they tell you that too?” I ask, trying to sound like I’m not freaking out. Jess nods.
“Yeah, they did. It’s totally weird though. I had no idea Misty even kept in touch with Jimmy! Last I heard she was totally over it. Like totally over it.”
In an instant, I know that Mark and Susan Snow have been lying because why would Misty fib to her friend? Then again, I have no real evidence to go on except for the feeling in my gut.
“You should try calling Jimmy.” I blurt out. “You know, just to make sure Misty made it there safely.”
Jessie nods.
“Good thinking. I’m sure she just lost her phone or something and that’s why she hasn’t gotten in touch. Let’s see, do I still have Jimmy’s number?” Jess begins scrolling through her cell, and then her face lights up. “Yep, this is it!”
I watch as she paces back and forth as the phone rings. Someone picks up, and her expression brightens.
“Hey Jim, it’s me Jessie,” she begins. “Remember? Hey, yeah, but is Misty with you? What? Oh really? Do you know where she could be?”
She ohs and ahs for a few more minutes, making small talk. But then, Jessie hangs up and walks back to me, her eyes wide and afraid. Her voice shakes with fear when she speaks.
“Jimmy had no idea what I was talking about, and he hasn’t heard from Misty in ages. I don’t understand. Why would her parents lie to me? To you too?”
I grit my teeth.
“Something isn’t right here. Something is seriously, seriously fucked up.” I look back at Misty’s house, wracking my mind for a logical answer. Why the hell is this happening? What would cause the Snows to banish their daughter to god knows where, while pretending that everything’s okay? I turn back to the plump girl. “Jessie, why don’t you take my number down? And if you can think of anything that might explain this, or if you hear from Misty, give me a call straight away. Okay?”
The girl nods, tears still in her eyes.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” After taking down my number she shakes her head. “This just doesn’t make any sense. Why is this happening? How could Misty just disappear?”
I try to appear calm because I don’t want Jess to freak out while we’re standing in front of her parents’ house.
“You know what?” I say. “Let’s take things one step at a time. Just sit tight for a little while, okay? I’ll be in touch.” Jess appears somewhat placated and she nods before getting back into her car. Then, she flips through her phone a bit, no doubt checking social media, before buckling her seat belt and driving off.
I watch Jess zip away and then grit my teeth. What are the Snows hiding? Well, I’ve never been a man to duck from a challenge, and with renewed determination, I walk back to the Snows’ front door.
Mark Snow answers and looks quite puzzled to see me standing in front of him again. He peeks around me to see if anyone else is still on the drive before speaking.
“Is there something else I can do for you, Mr. Slate?”
I note the change in his voice from yesterday. His calm and collected demeanor has deteriorated somewhat, and he just seems irritated now.
“I hate to pry Mr. Snow, I really do. I’m sure you have everything under control. But I was working on my mower by the hedges over there, and I couldn’t help but hear that young girl’s surprise at your daughter being gone on this trip of hers. Jessica, I think her name is? She and Misty are best friends, right? Why didn’t she know that Misty was making a trip?”
I see his Adam’s apple bob as he gulps, and his face goes momentarily pale.
Something is definitely up.
“I’m not trying to cross any lines here,” I continue in a casual tone. “But I noticed you and your wife seemed a little on edge when I stopped by the other day. I was just wondering if maybe I could be of assistance? You know that I’m a military man myself.”
Mark looks like he’s about to shit his pants, but then he forces himself to smile confidently.
“What are you trying to insinuate here?” I’m about to answer, but then Mrs. Snow comes to the door.
“Jordan, what a surprise!” she says as she joins her husband at the door. Mr. Snow is quick to fill her in before I can press her for any information.
“Mr. Slate here seems to think Misty is in some sort of trouble. Now why would he think that? Our daughter is having the time of her life visiting her ex-boyfriend.”
