The Hidden Truth

Chapter Two: Bad Moon On The Rise

My next move was to drive to the last school I knew Alexander was enrolled in. I walked in straight to the front office asking for the principal. The woman leads me to Mr. Morrison's office. The last time I had seen this man had to have been at least nine years ago when I was fifteen.

The man's golden eyes light up as he greets me, “Well now, I didn't figure I'd see you again Michael. How's your family doing?”

“That’s the reason I need to speak to you.”

“Oh! I see. Please, come in and have a seat.”

I took a deep breath and entered his office. He closes the door behind me, and I heard a click of the lock being flipped before he joins me at his desk.

“What’s on your mind, son?”

“Mr. Morrison, do you recall the last time you've seen Alex around here?”

Mr. Morrison scratches his chin hairs as he says, “Hmm. I guess I'd have to say it's been about three years since he's been enrolled here. Why do you ask?”

“Well, the family I had left him with while I finished college seems to have lost track of him. If you know what I mean?”

Mr. Morrison sits back in his chair as he thinks over the information I just gave him. I'm afraid to speak bluntly. Even though he took all the necessary precautions as usual there still might be someone trying to listen in so I keep my questions and answers as vague as possible.

“That is a major problem. What can I assist you with?”

“Well, I guess we should start by finding out what school he is enrolled in.”

“And the other one?”

I shake my head and let the question hang there without a proper answer. I figured she would be more difficult to track down. As far as I knew she's always been homeschooled. Alexander’s skills would be my best chance at finding her. I then thank Mr. Morrison for his time and help as he walks me to the door. While we shake hands, I slip him a piece of paper with my phone number on it. The man discreetly balls it into his hand as he adds, “Michael if there is anything else you need help with, don't hesitate to drop by.” laying an extra emphasis on the word ‘drop’ before opening the door.

“Thank you again and I will be back.”

“In the meantime, keep yourself safe.”

“I will.” Was that last words I spoke before I left the building.

*****

Two days later, I return to Justice's home. Again, I knock three times before he answers. When he does, he glares at me while asking, “What do you want?” in the same rough manner as before.

Immediately I realized it was his tea that had been compromised. So, I decided to try and jog his memory. “I told you I'd be back. Are you ready?”

He steps behind the door allowing me to enter but he doesn't look the same as he did the last time I was here. He has one hand holding his opposite rib cage and his expression seems as if he's furious with me. I step in further giving him space to shut the door as I gaze around the room. The living room looks in worse shape than the last time I was here making me wonder what happened. Cushions are strung around the room, chairs are flipped over as if someone was looking for something.

He then limps towards the kitchen as I ask, “Did you get into a fight or something?” following behind. People generally never get a chance to fight back and even if they did, they couldn't hurt him anyway. So, for him to look like a train wreck is a complete shock to me.