If Only It Were That Simple

Chapter 5- MIA Mom

Connor-

I'm not quite sure what was going on, so why am I so curious? My phone rings and my brain wants to answer it, "Connor, don't you dare" I tell myself as it rings in the cup holder. "Just a few miles until home." As soon as I pull into our drive way Tucker comes to greet me, "Hey Tuck, what's up?" I ask him slipping my phone into my pocket without a second glance. I turn the truck off and get out of the car.

"It's mom." He answers, all kinds of possibilities flash through my mind. Dead? Dying? Sick? Hurt? "I tried calling your cell, your meet was almost an hour ago. Where have you been?"

"Westview. What about mom?"

"She's missing." He answers. I didn't see that one coming. She's always home unless she's running errands. "The next door neighbors called me at three so I could let Jacob in."

"Have you called the Police, or dad or-"

"Dad's out with his partner looking right now. Jacob couldn't get in when he got home today. No matter how hard he banged on the door. No one answered. The neighbors found my number in his bag and called me at school."

"Does he know yet?"

"No, I've got him convinced she's out running long errands. He's doing homework upstairs." I try to take everything in when my phone rings. I don't bother checking it.

"Hello?" I snap at the person, sorry, I'm in a bad mood, call me back some other time I feel like saying. I don't.

"I will not have you using that tone with me young man." The woman's voice scolds from the other end of the line. "Your father and I raised you better than that."

"Mom!" I ask in disbelief Tucker's head jerks up so fast he hits the car we were leaning against. He gives me a confused look.

"Who else would it be?" She snaps at me, Someone else is in a bad mood, "I'm the only woman allowed to speak to you like this."

"Right, sorry mom."

"It's okay, I forgive you. Now I have a huge favor to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"420 South Pine Street, Virginia."

"What?" I ask confused.

"I have to go. Hurry." A male voice echoes in the background and mom tries to reply before the line dies.

"Mom's in trouble." I tell him.

"Call dad." Tucker tells me, "What's wrong?" He pulls out his own phone.

"I don't know. She just gave me a Virginia address and told me to hurry."

"Tell Dad!" He repeats

"Someone was with her. A man."

Tucker's eyes widen and he begins dialing, "911 quick!"

"911 what's your emergency?"

"Is Officer Adams available?"

"I'm sorry, he's on call right now."

"I need to speak to my father, do you know where I can reach him?"

"He might have his cell on him. Call that, if not, 893-555-948 extension 508."

"Thank you." I tell her hanging up, "Tuck, dad's cell. I'm calling his car." We both dial numbers and call.

"If he picks up what do I tell him?" He asks me as we both wait for an answer.

"Mom's at 420 South Pine Street, Virginia. And that she says he needs to hurry."

"Right." We both stand outside waiting for an answer on the other end.

"Officer McKinley." A man answers the phone.

"Is Officer Adams there?"

"Yes, but he's currently answering a call. Can I take a message." I look over to my brother.

"Yeah dad. 420 South Pine Street." Tucker says, "In Virginia."

"It's okay, he's getting all the information he needs." I tell him.

"Okay." McKinley disconnects and I hear Tucker finish with dad.

"Dad. Hurry." He tells him before hanging up and we exchange nervous looks before retreating back into the house to wait.