The Life of Jacob Track (Book Two of the 33X Series)

Chapter Four

           

CHAPTER FOUR

February 17, 2015

"Once again, the town of Larned, Kansas is facing a tragedy.  18-year-old Zacchya Packers was reported missing last night by her family. Her last known location was at Officer Zac Reynolds' home.  Zac, Zacchya's current boyfriend, was taken in for questioning on her whereabouts. There is no reason to suspect foul play at this time, however, if you see Zacchya please call 911 immediately," Cindi said dimly.

"It is not sure if foul play was involved, or if it is a simply a run-away case.  No matter the reason, the family hopes for the safe return of their daughter. Any information you might have, would be very helpful at this time." Cindi Sims stated into the camera. Zacchya's senior class picture flashed on the screen.

            "As you know, earlier this month, there was an explosion at the local jail in Larned with a total of eleven casualties. It is now known that the explosion was caused by well-placed bombs. The police and FBI are working on a joint task force to see if it was a terrorist cell.  No more details have been given at this time.

            "The local hero, Isaac Partridge, will be given a special banquet and key to the city on March first for his heroic deeds during the explosion."  Cindi smiled brightly.

            Trevor Packers walked into the living room as the newscast was on the TV. His mom, Hollie, was watching it and sobbing  into her hands.

            "For God's sakes, Mom! Turn that off!" Trevor fumed.

            "They barely even mentioned her, Trev!" Hollie cried, her face was red and puffy.

            "That heartless cow doesn't care about us! All she cares about are her stupid ratings. The explosion gets all the news from her ..." Trevor turned off the TV and hugged his Mom. "They're all a bunch of assholes, anyway."

            "Watch your mouth, Trevor," she cried in between sobs.

            "It's true, Mom! We'll find her! I know we will.  And if Zac did ... anything to her ... I'll kill him myself!"  He squeezed onto her tighter. 

             Zacchya's disappearance had been very hard on both of them.  They had always been a close family, especially after Zacchya's depression issues and hospitalization.  She was his twin sister, and even though they randomly fought, they were still very close.  It felt so wrong with her being gone, even though it had only been a day.  He had thought she was acting different the day of her disappearance, but he thought he was imagining it.  Maybe she had been feeling sentimental, he wasn't sure.  He had never expected her to disappear.  It felt like he should have been there to protect her, or save her.  He couldn't put his finger on it, and maybe it was just worry, but he felt responsible. He should have stopped it, whatever it was.

"She's not dead. I know that. I feel it in my soul." Hollie cried.

"No, she's not. She's alive. I know that," Trevor agreed.

"Why would she have left us? Did she run away? Did we do something wrong?"

Trevor wondered too if she had run away, but it didn't feel right to him.  She had Zac, whom she had clearly loved a lot, and her family.  She wouldn't leave without a good reason or a goodbye. 

            "No, we didn't do anything wrong.  She wouldn't have run away, either.  She has too much here."  Trevor rubbed his mom's back.  "She loves us, Mom."

            It made no sense to him why anyone would hurt or kidnap her, though, which were the only other alternatives.  Zacchya was a beautiful, kind girl.  She'd never hurt anyone.  He couldn't imagine anyone with a motive to hurt her. All he could do was pray that Zac was innocent of any crimes against her.  Trevor had never had a problem with Zac, had liked him quite a bit and he hoped that continued to be the case.   If she was hurt or found dead, Trevor knew he'd take justice into his own hands.