Chapter 68
After they forwarded the photos of both girls to Lt. Montgomery, Suzy alerted the school’s security officer who agreed to form a search party after school if they were still missing. The security officer said he’d contact the teachers via an email blast. Within minutes, he called back and said some of the teachers had called in subs so they could join the search. A tearful Suzy thanked him.
After she contacted the school, Suzy called Paige’s mother, explained what had transpired, and asked if Paige could stay out of school to help her hang posters around town. Paige’s grateful, weepy mother naturally agreed.
Suzy placed the phone on speaker so she could dress while making calls. She donned yoga pants, a tee, and grabbed her purse. “Hurry, Paige. Time is of the essence. Let’s go to Staples and make posters.”
Paige’s cheeks reddened. “I’m really sorry.”
Suzy rushed toward the garage. “It’s not your fault. I’m glad you told me about that man last night. At least we have a lead. I should have told Ken about the pizza guy but can’t worry about that now.”
She drove to Staples, taking every side road possible and instructed Paige to search out the right window. “I’ll look left,” Suzy murmured. “We’ve got to find them.” They both peered side to side scanning every bush and tree while Suzy drove around the neighborhood several times. The girls were nowhere in sight. They seemed to have vanished.
~ ~ ~
They sat in the parking lot until the store opened. Paige sniffled as Suzy simultaneously eyed the entrance and checked her phone a hundred times. After an employee unlocked the front door, Suzy bolted inside with Paige on her heels.
A flustered Suzy explained the scary dilemma to a store clerk who immediately created flyers featuring the girls’ photos, height, weight, eye color, and other pertinent information including the clothes they were last seen wearing.
Suzy and Paige left the store with a stack of 200 posters and two staplers. Driving to a bustling area, Suzy parked and handed Paige half the flyers. “We need to work fast to get the word out.”
Paige nodded as she fumbled with a stapler. They worked in silence as they affixed the “Missing Person’s announcements to trees, telephone poles, and inside storefront windows. Businesses were opening for the day as early morning commuters rushed to work. And not one of them knew of their crisis. Not yet anyway.
Working hurriedly and in silence, Suzy and Paige plastered posters at every coffee shop, restaurant, grocery store, retail store, hair, and nail salon. They targeted businesses that had heavy foot traffic. After the pair coated several city blocks with flyers, they drove to a different neighborhood. While in a different parking lot, Suzy received a call from the school principal, Dr. Graves, expressing his concern. He asked her to bring a stack of posters to the school, explaining the security officer had notified him.
Asking if there were any updates, he said he’d make an announcement for students who had first hour free to come to the cafeteria for an emergency meeting. In a soothing voice, the principal said, “Try not to worry. We’ll get on this fast and blanket the area surrounding the school. We’ll have many volunteers. I’m sure of it.”
Between sniffles and blotting her teary eyes, Suzy managed a meager, “Thank you.” She wiped her nose with her sleeve since she held her phone with the other hand.
“Stay strong and keep me posted.” The principal hung up and immediately called back. “On second thought, email the attachment. We’ll print the posters here. It’ll save time.”
A grateful Suzy thanked him. “Having hordes of students plaster posters will give us a huge head start on finding Izzy and Nelly.”
Dr. Graves added, “I decided to cancel first hour, so students and faculty can canvass the area immediately.”
“That’s wonderful.” Suzy’s voice broke. “Ken and I appreciate your—”
Dr. Graves cut her off. “No need to thank me. Let’s find the girls. Hold on while I go the cafeteria.”
Suzy could hear his footsteps as the principal stepped through the school’s halls. She’d always wished they lived in the same district where Hope counseled but couldn’t be prouder of this man’s quick actions.
Dr. Graves’ voice brightened. “You should see the growing group in the cafeteria. Cheerleaders, basketball players, the drama club, the student council, and classmates of both Izzy and Nelly have gathered to distribute posters. We’ll plaster posters around Crystal City. Hang on.” He paused. “A couple of students just showed me their phones. Several have already taken to social media. That’s the fastest way to get the word out.” Suzy could almost hear him beaming through the phone. “Let’s get busy. Godspeed and good luck.”
Suzy’s red eyes brimmed with tears. She turned toward Paige. “Your principal is a good man. He just told me several students are volunteering and spreading the word on social media.”
Paige proudly held her cell in the air. “Yup. I’ve already posted the ‘Missing Teens’ info too.” She squinted at her screen. “Wow. Five hundred people have already shared it. I never get that many shares or likes.”
“That’s great. Really great. I’ll drop you off at home soon. I’m sure your mom is worried sick. Then I’m going back home to see if by chance Izzy and Nelly are there. Doubtful but—” Suzy rubbed her throbbing temples. They hung the last of the flyers in silence and walked hand in hand toward Suzy’s SUV. She dropped Paige off to a tearful, grateful mother who hugged both of them and asked how she could help. Suzy told her to hold on to her daughter and left.
After she pulled into the garage, Suzy stepped into the darkened kitchen and made a pot of strong coffee. She knew she and Ken would need it for likely the longest day and ensuing night of their lives. While the coffee brewed, she realized Ken was sitting in the dark in his favorite recliner. He surely heard her rattling around but hadn’t bothered to greet her. Suzy decided to give her husband a wide berth and simply handed him a cup of strong, black coffee. After he took it without saying a word, her shoulders slumped. He blames me.
Ken stared at a muted television as if he were in a trance. Besides being exhausted physically and emotionally, Suzy was wrought with fear and guilt. As much tension as she and Izzy had, she certainly didn’t want this. She wanted her stepdaughter back unharmed.