Linked

Chapter 12

[Liam's POV]

Casey came through.  Now I actually have a chance at finding her.  I closed my eyes.  Thank you.

It had been a few days since I last saw Casey.  Two or three I think?  I don't know anymore.  I just miss her terribly.  I hope I can find her from the information she gave me.  A forest by a busy road?  And in this state; at least I won't have much ground to cover.  I know my home state pretty well.

After talking with her last night I couldn't sleep.  I just replayed the conversation over and over.  I wished I could be with her right then.  That I could look into her eyes and tell her, "It's okay."  I remember the words we said, the words we should have said, and the ones we almost did.

I know, Casey.  That's what I'd replied.  And believe me, I think we both knew exactly what each of us wanted to say right then and there; even without reading our minds.  Minds.  Goodness.  I recall the old "quest" of getting the chance to read Casey's.  That I might one day know her better than anyone else.  Somehow I felt like I've already entered her thoughts.  I know her.  I know Casey Thomas.  And feel... close to her.

Since the kidnapping the police haven't found anything about her whereabouts.  I did come in for questioning, but wasn't very helpful.  Casey's family was notified, in fact I decided ask for her home address to come to their house in person.

"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,"  I'd spoken at the door once it opened.  It was obvious these were her parents from the tear-stained cheeks.  Plus, they looked exactly like her, "I'm a good friend of Casey's.  Actually I was with her when she was taken.  I'm so sorry.  I tried to save her.  I just-"  The words stopped coming.  My throat tightened and I looked away in guilt.

"I'm sure you did all you could,"  Mrs. Thomas extended gratitude even in a morning stage.  Boy was I grateful, "What did you say your name was again?"

"Um, I'm Liam.  Liam Walker.  I go to your daughter's school, and, uh, we met about a week back-"

"Your name starts with L?  Then I have a guess who you are,"  She did?  "Are you the boy she's talked about since she was six?  Are you... L?"  I was startled.  She knew.

"Um- I- uh, yes.  Yes ma'am, I am.  I'm proud to say I've grown very close to Casey,"  I accepted the fact that her parents knew and stood up a little straighter.

"Well,"  She looked me over, and gave a bittersweet smile, "If you couldn't take down those men, no one could.  Thank you for being my daughter's best friend.  Thank you for sharing her gift."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Thomas,"  I nodded. "I guess I'll be going then,"  My worked seemed to be done here.  They knew I cared.

"Oh and Liam?"

"Yes, Mrs. Thomas?"  I turned around one last time.

"Whatever Casey is telling you in that head of yours... I hope you use her advice wisely.  And if there is ever a chance... Bring my daughter home,"  She gave me a respectful nod and I bobbed my head in response.  Then, I turned on my heel, and headed back in the other direction.

After that experience, I'd headed home.  And just like I said, I couldn't sleep a wink.  So, my body took matters into it's own hands and I got out of bed to start looking for her.  I pulled on a jacket, grabbed the keys to my car, my wallet, and a soda, and drove off.

My first choice to start looking for Casey was on the east side of town.  It was closer, so I headed there.  No stopping.  No distractions.

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