walking the neighborhood

At Starbucks, Sally got a caramel Frappuccino, while Jake got a hot coffee with ten sugars to put in it. Sally inhaled her drink that caused a brain freeze. Jake sipped his while driving.

Once they arrived at the neighborhood, Jake pulled next to the first house on the left.

They went door to door. Every neighbor that was home gave a warm greeting and showed their willingness to cooperate. But none of them saw a person dressed in a Zorro costume. Every house they visited brought More and more frustration on the detectives. The last house they decided to visit was the Whitmore’s home. As they approached, they saw a figure sitting in front of the door.

“Isn’t that Camille? “ Sally exclaimed.

“I believe so.” Jake retorted.

The detectives quickly walked towards her. “Mrs. Whitnoore,” Jake shouted.

Camille put her head up. She wiped her thumb beneath her eyes. “Yes.” She replied in a hoarse voice. “Oh, it’s you.” She slowly stood up. “I was just about to call you.”

The detectives stopped next to her.” What can we do for you?” Jake gently said.

Camille wiped her thumb beneath her eyes again and sniffled. “It’s my daughter. She never came home last night.”

“Oh my.” Sally said.” She put her hand on Camille’s back. “ Are you sure?”

Camille nodded. “Yes. I realized when I woke up that I ever called her, or left a note. She’s not at Emily’s. I called her cell phone twice, but it went to voicemail. I left her a message, but she hasn’t called back yet. And_” She swallowed hard.

“So she doesn’t know about her father yet??” Sally asked.

Camille looked at her with bloodshot eyes. “I don’t think so.”

“When was the last time you saw her?” Jake said.

Camille looked at him. “Last night before I took junior out.”

“Did she say where she was going?” Jake said.

“To a party. She said some guy named Jeremy Norwood was picking her up.”

Jake looked at her thoughtfully. “Have you ever met this Jeremy?”

“No.” Sally stated in s frustrated tone. She gulped and continued calmly.” I should have never let her go.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll find her.” Jake hoped he sounded reassuring. “What school does your daughter attend?”

‘Downey High School.”

“Alright. ‘Now, is there anyone else we might talk to. You know, that knows her well.”

Camille thought a moment, then got a look of revelation. “Actually, yes. Why didn’t I think of this before? She has a friend she’s known since elementary school. An Ally Hardwick. Though she hasn’t really talked about her much lately.”

“Do you have her number?” Sally asked.

Camille took her cell phone out. “I believe I have it in here.” She pressed the contact app on her phone and scrolled through it. Finally, she said. “Yes. Here it is.” She showed Jake the screen with Ally’s contact information.

As Jake began to write it down While Camille called Ally’s number. Instead of a ring, she heard two quick beeps and a click. She tried it again and got the same result. “That’s weird. It won’t go through.” She slipped the phone in her pocket.

Jake took his pad and pen in his pocket.”That’s okay, I’ve got her number.” He walked away with Sally beside him.

Once they were out of earshot, Jake said. “A murdered husband, and now a missing daughter.”

As they got to the car, Sally said over the roof. “What are you thinking?”

Jake opened his door. “I think we have too many suspects, including two new ones.” He got in and shut the door.

Sally stared at Camille for a moment, hoping they would find her daughter alive, well, and innocent.

chapter 12