Page 77 of Hiding Hollywood

Ms. Ruby stepped into the Sheriff’s department, a bag in her hand. She hadn’t fixed her hair, and it stuck out in white puffs all over her head. She wore a long, blue gown, something similar to what his grandmother used to wear in the morning. With her lips devoid of their usual bright pink, she looked much older.

“I’m so upset, Cameron.” Ms. Ruby stopped part way to his desk. Her voice trembled. “I don’t know what to do.”

He jumped up, placing a steady hand under her elbow and leading her to a chair. “What’s happened? Do I need to get the paramedics? Your neighbor Caleb is working.”

She waved away his concern, the puff on top wobbling. “No. It’s about my grandson, Dexter. He wasn’t in his room when I went to collect his laundry. Normally, I don’t go in his room.” She patted Cameron’s hand. “I know how you young men need your privacy.”

Cameron managed not to laugh at the thought.

“But, when he didn’t answer, I went in. I’m not sure where he is, but I started collecting his laundry, and I found all these things in his room. I recognized Laura’s pink leather jacket. She’d worn it to church a couple Sundays ago. And your uncle’s phone.” She reached in and pulled out the oldest, largest, black phone Cameron had ever seen. “Hugh Campbell is the only person in Statem and probably Georgia who owns a phone this old. I’m near eighty, and I know that.”

“I think you’re right.” Cameron felt the first rush of nerves at the prospect that the case was solved. By Ms. Ruth, no less. And Addie. “You said you didn’t know where Dexter was now?” Cameron grabbed his radio. “Dewey?”

He glanced at the clock. Not even seven yet. Dewey’s shift hadn’t started.

“No, I don’t. I will say that you upset him last night. He used some language that I had to fuss at him about. Wasn’t becoming for a nice, young man to use. I know he didn’t mean the things he said. It makes sense now that he was angry with you for figuring it out.”

Cameron pulled out his phone and called Addie.

When she didn’t answer, he tried again.

And again. Each ring intensified his fear. Had Dexter gone out there searching for him?

He called the house phone. Still no answer.

He called his parents’ house phone. His mom picked up.

“Hello?”

“Mom. Is Addie there?”

“No. She stayed out at your place—”

“Shit.” He hung up. Running from the station, he jumped in his cruiser and set the siren to silent.

He pressed Dewey’s name on his cell phone. He picked up almost immediately.

“I see you headed this way with your lights going. What’s up?”

“Ruth’s grandson is the thief.”

“The one in the jacket?” Dewey waved as he passed by. “You headed to bring him in?”

“I’m headed to my house to make sure he’s not there. Ruth said he was mad about me questioning him last night.” Cameron made a sharp turn at the edge of town and accelerated.

“Are you worried about Lacy?”

“Addie. She stayed there last night and isn’t answering.”

After a moment’s pause, a faint siren sounded through the cell phone.

“Turn your siren off.”

“Done. I’m going to pull around to the back of the property down the highway. I’ll call your dad.”

Cameron’s car slid to a stop at the top of the driveway. He didn’t want to scare Dexter. Or Addie by rushing in. Was her cell phone on silent? No, she didn’t answer the house phone either. She could’ve been in the shower, but she’d taken her phone into the bathroom with her last time she showered.

It was fine. He was overreacting. Simple.

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