Page 62 of Dreaming Without Heartache

“Kara’s missing.” Her voice is trembling.

“What do you mean?” I walk into the hall so that Maisie doesn’t hear. “She isn’t with you?”

“No.” Judy is clearly distraught. “I went to get her for brunch, and she’s gone. Nowhere to be found. Do you have any idea where she could have gone?”

I feel as if things are moving in slow motion. The world seems to tilt as my pulse pounds in my ears. I brace myself against the wall. “When was the last time you saw her?” I finally manage.

Judy clears her throat. “After dinner last night around eight.”

I struggle to think logically. “Is anything missing from her room?” If she’s running away, I wonder how far she plans to travel. Hopefully not with that boy who’s been hanging around.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t checked thoroughly.”

Steven appears beside me, worry etched across his face. He grips my arm as I continue talking to Judy. “Have you looked for her outside? Around your property and the neighborhood?”

“She’s not here at the house anywhere. And I didn’t know where to go beyond that.” Judy’s voice wavers. “I thought maybe you could give me some insight on her favorite spots.”

I meet Steven’s eyes, my stomach twisting in fear. “I’ll call her best friend, and we’ll start looking. Please contact the police right away. Stay home in case she returns. Let’s keep each other updated.”

“Thank you, Allie,” Judy says, and I can hear the cries of help within her voice. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“It’s not your fault,” I reassure her, knowing exactly how she feels. “We’ll find her.” I say this for myself as much as for her.

When I hang up, I immediately dial Sam’s number. I speak to Steven as the phone rings. “Please listen as I talk to Sam so I can fill you in.” I hold up a finger as Sam answers.

“Hello?” Sam says warily.

“Sam, has Olivia heard from Kara today? Could you please ask her? It’s important.”

“What’s going on?” I hear her moving as she calls out to Olivia.

Steven quietly closes the bedroom door to keep Maisie from hearing. I know that it won’t last long. Since her parents’ death, Maisie doesn’t like closed doors without someone with her. It makes her panic.

“Kara’s run away from Judy’s. I don’t know where she’d go or who she might be with.” I begin pacing the hall.

“Hold for a second,” Sam says, her voice muffled as she talks to Olivia. “She hasn’t heard from her today. But yesterday at school she told Olivia that she was miserable and didn’t know how much longer she could take it.”

“Does Olivia know the name of the boy Kara’s been seeing?” I ask. “I’m not mad. I just need to know if she’s with him.”

There’s murmuring again, then Sam clearly tells Olivia to speak up, her voice firm. She comes back. “His name’s Drew Freewater. But she said he broke it off with Kara on Wednesday.”

“Can she message him? He’ll be more likely to answer her than me.” I hate to involve them, but I need all the help I can get.

“She’s already texting him.” A pause. “He says he hasn’t talked to her.”

“Okay. If she calls or shows up, please let me know.”

“Of course. But we’re helping look for her. My mom’s here. She can stay while we’re out. Where do you want us to go first?” The shuffling on the phone gets louder as Sam’s breathing picks up. “We are headed to the car now.”

“Ask Olivia where the popular hangouts are and start there. Text me the locations so we don’t double up.” I touch Steven’s arm as I speak. He’s been right beside me the whole time. Pacing and all. “Steven can stay here with Maisie in case she shows up.” He nods in agreement.

After we hang up, I go in search of my shoes. Maisie’s out of the room and curious.

“Where are you going?” she asks as I tie my laces.

“I have to run a quick work errand,” I tell her, trying to keep my tone light. “Uncle Steven is going to stay with you until I get back.”

“I want to go with you.” Her lip quivers.