Teenagers and drama queens

While the detectives drove over to Carol’s parents' house, Jake said. “Well, this should be very interesting.”

Why would you say that?” Sally replied.

“Because the way Mike described her, she sounds like a teenage diva.”

“So, you're judging her before we even meet her?” Sally’s tone showed irritability. “ You should know better than that.” Her tone evened out. “Besides, you’re taking the word of a teenage boy?”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Jake stated in a defensive manner.

“That teen boys can be over dramatic.”

Jake looked over and glared at Sally with a blank look. He shook his head and turned to face the road. “Is that so? You know, as I remember. Back when I was a teen, half the girls in my class were drama queens.”

He pulled over. “Here we are.”

The detectives got out and started towards the front door. On the way, Sally said. “I think we need to continue this conversation after we solve this case.”

“If we solve this case,” Jake remarked as they reached the door.

“Oh, now who’s being a drama queen?” Sally gave him a sheepish smile and winked, then knocked n the door.

They heard a bunch of giggling. A moment later, a girl wearing a black Blink 182 Shirt and black shorts answered the door. Her red hair flowed from under a Dodgers baseball cap. Behind her stood two other young ladies.

She looked at the detectives with a frown on her face. “Sorry, if you’re looking to sell religion, then you can just f**k off.” She laughed. The girls behind her gave a harmonizing giggles.

Jake looked at Sally and nodded his head towards the girl. Sally could see him trying not to laugh.

She faced the girl. “We’re not selling anything.” She took her badge out and showed it to the girl. I’m Detective Beaumont, and this is my partner, Detective Stone.”

The girl's face turned somber.

Sally continued. “Are you Carol Kendrick?”

The girl looked over her shoulder, then faced Sally. “I might be. Why?”

“Why?” Sally replied sternly. “We need to ask you some questions.” She looked over her shoulder at the other girls and firmly said. “Alone.”

“I don’t understand. I didn’t do anything.” Carol’s tone said she was nervous.

“Sally gave her a hard stare. “May we come in?”

Carol looked over her shoulder again. All the girls behind her just shrugged their shoulders.

She faced the detectives and looked them up and down. “I’m not sure I should do that.” She meekly said.

“Why? Do you have something to hide?” Jake boldly interjected.

“Well, no. But my parents aren’t here. And_”

“Look.” Sally cut Carol off.” We just need to ask you a couple of questions.”

“Like what?” Carol exclaimed with a sharp attitude.

Sally looked at her partner and shook her head. Then she faced Carol. “Well, for starters. When was the last time you saw Cassandra Whitmoore?”

The color drained from Carol’s face. The girls behind her walked away and disappeared.

“I saw her at school yesterday.” Carol gulped. “Is that all?” She started to shut the door.

Sally held out her hand to stop it from closing all the way. “No, that’s not all,” Sally replied in an irritated voice. “Do you happen to know where she is?”

“I don’t know.” Carol shrieked. “Why would I. Maybe she’s at home. Or maybe trolling around and being a s**t.”

The detectives heard a car pull up and screech to a halt.

They turned around and saw A man in a blue suit and a lady in a flower dress get out of the car. “Are you okay?” The man shouted as they hustled towards the door.

“No.” Carol replied harshly. “These people won’t leave me alone.”

The couple reached them. The man stepped between Carol and Sally. “What’s this all about?” He asked with authority.

Sally fished her badge. “We’re detectives. We just need to ask your daughter a few questions.”

The man looked at Carol. “Hon.”

“They want to know where Cassandra is. I told them I don’t know.”

The man looks at Sally.” You heard her .”

“Sir. If we could just talk to you_”

“She said she doesn’t know.” “The Man Harshly said. “Now, I want you off of my property. Unless you have a warrant?”

“No Sir.“ Sally replied meekly.

“Then go.” The man pointed towards the street.

Sally sighed, then she and Jake started towards the car. As they were getting in, the man said. “You can speak to her after I retain a lawyer.”

They got in and closed the door without another word. As they watched Carol and her parents open the door and step inside, Sally said. “I believe she’s hiding something.”

“You think?” Jake replied sarcastically