Page 96 of Changing Lanes

“You talked to her?” she questions.

“Yeah, just after I talked to you. To make sure she wasn’t planning on getting Andi,” I explain as I watch Gloria, the antique store owner, arriving.

“So, she knew I was getting Andi?” Where’s Torrie going with this?

“Yes…wait. Do you think Ava had something to do with this?” I’m shocked.

“I don’t know.” She sighs.

“Isn’t it bad enough Andi’s missing? Why do you and Ava have to constantly bicker?” I spit at her.

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to upset you,” she says on a whimper.

“No, you’re just accusing my daughter’s mother of kidnapping her. What the hell, Torrie?” My voice raises causing people to turn to look.

“I told you from minute one, I’m responsible, no one else.” Torrie folds her arms across her chest, tears welling in her eyes again. Shit!

“I’m sorry. I’m just worried and aggravated,” I offer her a half-assed apology.

“No, of course. You should be focused on Andi. I’m going to walk over and check on Lea, you need to see what you can do. I’ll be here,” Torrie tells me.

“Alright. We’ll find her, Torrie, this isn’t your fault.” What the fuck am I trying to say? “I love you.”

“I know, no worries.” Pausing, she adds, “I love you, forever.” She walks away from me.

“Brannon,” One calls.

“Yeah?” I jog over to where they stand.

“You know this woman?” The antique store’s camera shows a blonde holding Andi’s hand. “No. Why would Andi go with her? She’s looking back at the jewelry store.”

“She’s looking for Torrie, I would say,” Rick adds.

“Yeah, probably.” We watch the camera as they walk out of sight. That’s it? “There’s no car or truck? Nothing?” I yell, frustrated.

“Hang on. They might drive by…” There it is. “A red car. It’s old,” Rick says.

“That’s definitely the blonde, too,” One adds.

“Let’s get this tape enhanced so we can get a make and model,” Rick tells the officer with him.

“No need.” Bile rises in my throat as I watch the car drive away. “It’s Ava. Ava took Andi. Fuck.” I storm from the store. “FUCK!” I scream as I throw my water bottle down the street. “Ava took her because of Torrie. I fucking asked her if she wanted to get her, but she said no. She told me no. She fucking set Torrie up.”

“Brannon, calm down. At least we know Andi’s okay. We just need to find them now.” One talks to me calmly, I’m sure trying to help me.

“Brannon, I’ve added parental kidnapping to the Amber Alert, it’s the law.” Rick shrugs.

“Damn right. I have full legal custody, do what you have to.” I feel like I’m gonna explode. “What the fuck? There’s no reason to hurt everyone.”

“It’s Ava, who knows. Let’s get you back to the farm. I know Joyce is waiting to hear something.” One pats me on the back.

“Yeah, I need to tell Torrie. You know, I was so angry with her not ten minutes ago for suggesting that Ava took Andi. She was right.” I walk toward Torrie and Lea.

“Baby, please tell me something good,” she says as she walks toward me.

“You were right, Ava has her. She knew damn well you were getting Andi. I can’t wait to hear her excuse.” I’m fuming I’m so mad.

“It was never about being right about Ava, just how to find Andi. Have they found them?” she asks.