Page 133 of State of Alert

“Thanks.”

Freddie greeted Dr. Trulo as he returned from the pit. “Fired up Elaine’s phone and couldn’t get current locations on either kid.” He handed her a sheet of paper. “Here’s a number for Zeke’s mother.”

“I’m getting a buzz. Are you?”

“Oh yeah. Big-time.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Sam called the number for Zeke’s mother.

She answered on the third ring.

“Mrs. Bellamy, this is Lieutenant Sam Holland with the DC Metro Police.”

Silence.

“Hello?”

“Is this the first lady? Oh my God!”

“I told you who I am in this context. I’m trying to reach your son Zeke, and he’s not answering his phone. Is he home?”

“No, he isn’t. I just got home myself, so I’m not sure where he is.”

“Do you know where he was earlier today?”

“He was at school earlier and then baseball practice. Why?”

“We’re trying to reach him and Zoe, and both their phones are going straight to voice mail. Is his car gone?”

“Yes.”

“Is Zoe’s car at your house?”

“No, it’s not.”

“Are you able to track him?”

“Goodness no. He’d never go for that.”

Who’s in charge?Sam had to bite her tongueso she wouldn’t actually ask the question. “What’s the plate number for his car?”

“Why do you want to know that?”

Sam rolled her eyes at Freddie. “Because we’re looking for him and Zoe. Please give me the information, or I’ll send an officer there to get it.” They could get the info on their own, but getting it from his parents would save time and paperwork.

“I… Um… Hold on for a second.”

Sam took a deep breath and let it out while she waited for the woman to return.

“It’s a black Mustang that we bought for him two years ago. It’s registered in Virginia.” She recited the plate number, which Freddie wrote down.

“Have you ever heard Zeke talk about anything to do with Zoe’s mother?”

“Only that she was difficult and gave Zoe a hard time about everything. Once, he thanked me for not being like her.”

“If you hear from him, I’d like you to have him call me at this number. Tell him it’s urgent.”

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