Page 21 of Evidence of Truth

Killian rang the doorbell to a newer ranch house located not too far from the school where Anne taught. It was on a quiet street that dead-ended not far from the house.

The door opened quickly. Anne stood there, fidgeting with her hands, her blond hair a halo from the back light.

“Come on in,” said Anne, her voice trembling. She swallowed hard before moving back so they could enter. “I’m really worried about Silas. Hopefully, you have some ideas where to look.”

They walked into a decent-size living room with lots of family pictures on one wall. Killian walked over to look at them while Anne and Danny went into the kitchen to get coffee. The pictures were arranged so older photos were interspersed with the new ones. Anne was the only one in the family with blond hair. The other members had lighter shades of brown. She had pictures of the women she hung out with, pictures drawn by what were probably kids in her class, and pictures of trips she’d taken.

Killian surmised she was well-liked and enjoyed traveling. If it weren’t for the fact that he thought Anne was looking for marriage and kids, he’d be interested in her. Although, from all accounts, she wasn’t a one-night stand—his preferred choice.

He was always curious about how other people lived when they were growing up. As far as he could tell, no one he knew had lived in a two-bedroom dump, sharing a bedroom with his little sister. Or had a Dad who was fond of putting holes in the wall when he wasn’t beating on his wife. But then again, what did he know? If someone had, no one was admitting it.

He liked that the living room blended into the dining room and had sliding glass doors out to a patio just like at his condo.

The kitchen was in a separate room, and he peeked in, not listening to Anne and Danny talking. The scent of fresh coffee made his mouth water.

It wasn’t a huge room. However, it was comfortable and warm like the rest of the space, with white walls, backsplash, and countertops. The cabinets were a light green, and the appliances were stainless steel. Two big globe lamps hung over an attached island that had three barstools under it. The floor was tile made to look like wood. Overall, it was a pleasant room.

Killian walked back into the living room and sat in one of the two chairs facing the sofa just as Danny and Anne returned, and Anne placed mugs of coffee on the table with a plate of cookies.

He realized most people did that when they had company. His parents never did. First, there was no money for coffee or cookies. Second, no one ever visited except for the police, and they didn’t count. It was never a social call. The refreshments were a nice gesture, but they were here to find a missing kid, not socialize.

Anne put a picture on the table. “This is Silas.” She gave them what she knew about him. Killian looked at the picture of a small boy with black hair. His brown eyes held sadness even though he was smiling. Killian just knew this innocent had a rough life.

“Where does this Cheryl live?” asked Danny. “I think we need to start there.”

“Agree,” replied Killian. “We need to check out the neighborhood, although I don’t see him hiding there. He’s run away before, so he’s not sticking around. Did social services tell you where the police found him?”

“His former foster home was by a playground. The police found him hiding in the men’s room.”

“Damn.” The kid was lucky that some creep hadn’t found him. “What else is close to Cheryl’s home?” Killian asked.

“The school, of course. However, the surrounding gates are locked at night. Hmmm.” Anne thought for a moment. “Oh, there’s a library and a gas station next door.”

Killian looked over at Danny, who nodded.

“What?” Anne looked confused.

“I bet he’s around the school. It’s a place he knows,” said Danny. He finished his coffee and stood. “We don’t have much time, so we need to get going.”

Killian placed his cup down and grabbed a cookie. “Right.”

“I’m going with you,” Anne said. She stood at the same time Killian did.

“No!” Danny and Killian said at the same time.

She wrinkled her forehead. “Why not? He knows me and might come out if I call.”

“First off, we’re splitting up. Second, it’s dark out there, and we don’t want to worry about you being alone or us having to protect you,” replied Killian.

Anne looked at her hands. When she looked up, her eyes narrowed. “You can take me with you, or I’ll go on my own the minute you leave. This is my student. I want to help.”

Tough lady and stubborn, too.

Killian was surprised she hadn’t let it go. There was some pluck underneath that sexy exterior. He sighed. Arguing with Anne would get them nowhere, and they were wasting time.

“Fine. You can come with me,” said Killian.

Anne smiled. “Good. Let me pick up and I’ll be ready.”

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