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"The woman you like disappeared?" Shep asked.
"Yes. It's sketchy. She lives out in the woods, and her parents are really strict. We were supposed to meet each other on Monday, but she didn't show up. She and her mom live with this old man who's really weird. I think they might be preventing her from seeing me."
"How old is she, Owen?"
"That's not the issue. She's grown."
"That is sketchy. Don't do it."
"I have to. I love her," he said, not caring that Paul was in the truck.
"You love her? How long have you known her?"
"Says the guy who went all over New York City looking for his wife."
"Wow, you love her that much?"
"I think I do. I haven't talked to her in days. It's been almost a week. We had plans to see each other again, and then she felloff the face of the earth. Something is up. Something's wrong. Her mom pointed a gun at me just for going by there trying to talk to her. I would go over to her house, but it's somewhere back behind this old rundown church and it's honestly freaky. The preacher is this old guy, and they live with him. I left like three messages at that church, and he called me back and told me to leave Corey alone, that she didn’t want to talk to me, which I don't believe. I can't see how she lived with him all this time."
"Don't, Owen, stop. Don't do this. I feel like, as a friend, I need to stop you from pursuing this. Just hearing what you're saying, I feel like you should chill on this girl. Pay attention to work. Don't get caught up in something like that, you could seriously be in danger. These people might be violent. I know we joke with you about being born with a silver spoon, but seriously, you're not used to criminal activity. You're a city boy. We don't need a true crime situation on our hands."
Owen glanced at Paul, wondering if he could hear Shep. He had a sneaking suspicion that Shep was right—that there was something about Stanley that he should be wary of.
"I'm with a guy who can help me out. Paul's wife knows somebody who knows their family. I'm going over to her salon to see if she can help me. All I want is to hear it from Corey that she doesn't want to see me."
"The girl's name is Corey?"
"Yes," Owen said. "But don't repeat any of this to our friends."
"Owen, that request right there makes me think you're about to do something stupid."
"I'm not. I've got Paul with me."
"Are you carrying a gun?"
"No, but Paul is."
"Is your director okay with all this?"
"No, definitely not," Owen said with a little laugh. "This whole thing just snuck up on me. I would have never imagined myself in this situation. I'm talking to Paul and his wife in a minute, and if I can't get answers, I might get the cops involved."
"Oh my gosh Owen, be careful."
"I will, I promise. And this phone call isn't even meant to be about me. Sorry. I can't believe you're going to be a dad! I'm pumped, dude."
"Thanks, man, I know. August, too."
"That is unbelievable. Congratulations to both of you!"
"You should call him. He would be excited to tell you the news."
"I will. Later tonight once I get this all figured out."
"All right, bro. Be careful out there. I don't want any calls from your parents."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"I'm just saying. Make sure you have backup. Don't go out in the woods and confront some dude alone."
