Dangerous

Out

No.

This couldn't be happening.

Why did it have to be so soon?

I sat on the bed as Lindsey sat next to me, hugging me. Her eyes were teary, whereas mine were just blank as I stared down at the newspaper in front of us.

Ms. Fischbach, charged with human trafficking and child prostitution, is released out of jail shortly after her husband in detained.

"I'm gonna be sick..."

"That makes two of us. In all honesty I'm surprised they bucked up and mentioned it. They kept it on the down low originally. I guess they didn't want this shit hole to not seem perfect."

"Are you okay?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Of course I'm not okay..."

"Well how can I help?"

I felt a lone tear drip down my face and onto my hand, which she grabbed gently as I looked further down into my lap.

"I don't know..."

~~~

Later that night, we both lied in my bed. Lindsey came to lay down with me to help comfort me, which I appreciated. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep alone tonight, given all that's happened. She was already asleep and cuddled against me as I had my arm around her. It's strange because we were kind of together, I guess. We didn't want to tell her parents yet, although she suspects they already know, so when we both live with them it's weird. And we kiss every now and then but above all, she's my best friend. My only friend, and I'd trust her with my life at this point. She's done so much for me. I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank her properly, but I can damn well try.

I heard a couple bangs for outside. It sounded like something knocked the trash cans over. Goddamn drunks probably...

"Mark...can you get it?"

"Sure."

I kissed her on the forehead before getting up and grabbing my shoes and hoodie. We both knew Mr. and Mrs. Stirling would be dead asleep at this hour, so I figured I'd handle the trouble for them. It's the least I could do.

I stepped outside, immediately seeing the knocked over bin as well as realizing that pajama pants were not warm enough for this shit. It was a fucking cold ass night, good god. Nonetheless, I went over, turning it right side up before starting to walk back inside. But as I walked, I head a couple hurried footsteps behind me and before I could react, the person clamped a cloth over my mouth and nose. I tried struggling against them but my brain had started going fuzzy. I couldn't scream or anything and within less than a minute, I was out cold on the pavement.

~~~

"Mom! Dad!"

I rushed downstairs screaming for my parents.
What had I done?
I looked out the window, figuring he'd be back right now, and he was just...gone.

"Lindsey? What's wrong?"

"Mark's gone!"

"What? What do mean he's gone?"

"The trash can outside fell over and he went to fix it, but he didn't come back and he's not outside...he's gone...h-he's gone..."

I had started crying as my mom hugged me.

"We'll let the police know. It's going to be okay."

I nodded quickly as we got shoes and jackets and ran out the door.

We went to the station as soon as we could and told them what had happened.

"I'm sorry, but we can't put out a proper search or missing persons report until he's been missing for 24 hours. But I will have you speak to one of our officers to get an account of what happened."

"No! You need to start searching for him! You don't understand!"

"Miss, we cannot do that. I'm sorry."

"Sorry my ass, you...!"

Before I could continue, my mom grabbed my shoulder and stopped me. The woman seemed unfazed by my antics and led us to a room down the hall. When we sat down, my mom turned to me.

"You never curse, Lindsey."

"I know, I'm just...I want him back...I just hope he's okay..."

My mom pulled me into a hug, rubbing my back.

"I know, honey. I'm sure he's okay..."

Then a policeman walked into the room and sat down in front of us.

"Hello ladies. So, from what I understand, there's a missing person?"

"Yes. Mark Fischbach."

"Is he related to Lin Fischbach? Who was just released from prison?"

"Yes. And as you might know...she was accused of...of..."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"So you see why we're very concerned."

"Yes, I see. Unfortunately, we can't authorize a proper search until it's been 24 hours, but under the circumstances, I'll see what I can do. I might be able to sway some officers since his mom was recently released. It wouldn't be a full search, but a few might be willing to go and look around."

"But you don't understand...!"

"I know it's a bad situation. I know how bad Mr. Fischbach' home situation has been in the past, in fact I helped work his mother's case. But it's the best I'll be able to do. I'll get a report prepared to submit it as soon as possible and I'll go out and look and try to bring some people with me, but that's the best I can do. I'm really sorry."

I nodded as my eyes got even more teary than they already were. The officer reached out and put his hand on my shoulder.

"It's going to be okay. We'll find him."

"Thank you..."