The Madrona Heroes Register: Underneath It All

Chapter 34 - The Posters

“I got home as soon as I could.” Julie said as she walked into the Jordan home.

Six long faces decorated the family room. 

“Mommmeeee.” Cassie ran to her mother, her face streaky with tears. “Rembrandt is gone.”

“Oh honey.” Julie hugged her daughter. “Don’t worry, I’m sure he just went for a little solo walk.”

“I don’t think so Mom.” Zach said.

Jay cleared his throat before speaking. “Zach still believes that the boy they saw is somehow responsible for Rembrandt’s disappearance.”

“Not just Rembrandt.” Binny added. “Lots of animals in the neighborhood.

A look passed between Jay and Julie before Jay continued, “Zach has agreed not to call the police again on his own or go to the boy’s house. But regardless of how it happened, the dog is missing, and all the kids are very upset.”

“Well I’m sure Dr. Huitre is out looking and will find Rembrandt soon.” Julie said.

“Mom, we need to help him. He can’t do it on his own.” Binny said.

Julie Jordan looked at her daughter, the daughter that had made it clear in no uncertain terms that Dr. Huitre was not to be trusted. And yet, here she was eager to help the very same man. Julie told herself that Binny’s efforts were motivated by her love of Rembrandt, and not by some newfound trust in Huitre. And if her eleven-year-old daughter could make that separation, then she should probably rise to the occasion as well.

“Okay Binny. I understand. We’ll help.” Julie put her hand on Binny’s shoulder.

“My parents are on their way too.” Penny piped in. “I asked them to help.”

Moments later, Serena, Quincy, and Jonathan were all at the Jordan’s front door. Introductions were made, and everyone was brought up to speed both on Rembrandt’s disappearance as well as the kids’ theories of how he had disappeared.

“Why don’t you kids stay here and eat some lunch. The adults will go out and look.”

“I’m sorry Mr. Jordan, but no.” Zoe stood up and spoke for the first time. “We’re going to help look.”

Jay had a surprised smile on his face. “Zoe, you and you brother of course can do what you like. But I’m not sure I want my kids traipsing around the neighborhood searching for Rembrandt when you’re all this this upset. Let the adults handle things.”

All at once five young voices started complaining, crying, and arguing.

Jay put up his hands, unprepared for the onslaught.

Zach’s voice cut through the cacophony. “Shhh… everyone, hold on.”

Everyone in the Jordan family room stopped mid-sentence and waited to hear what Zach had to say.

“Dad, you’re right to be concerned. We are upset. One of the reasons we’re upset is because we’ve been telling you about animals disappearing in the neighborhood for weeks now. And every time we say anything, you’ve not really taken us seriously.”

Zach continued, “But just because we’re upset, doesn’t mean we’re dumb. We know the neighborhood better than the adults. We’re smaller than the adults, so we can see things you might not. And including us means there are just more pairs of eyes looking for Rembrandt.”

Jay’s voice took on a new tone of respect for Zach’s well-reasoned arguments. “Well said. But not even for a moment do I think any of you are dumb. I just worry about your emotional state resulting in you making a bad decision. And it’s our job to keep you safe from your own bad decisions.”