Page 29 of Missing

“Nah, I got it. I’ll keep Meg updated via text.”

“Sounds good. Be careful out there. A random needle poke or bite can do a lot of damage.”

“No, sir.” In addition to my soft body armor, I planned on wearing my thick leather jacket and gloves, despite the warm fall weather, for protection. They’d prevent most incidental sticks from puncturing my skin. I wasn’t willing to risk getting stuck and being exposed to drugs, or worse, an infectious disease that could mean a death sentence if not diagnosed and treated fast enough.

On my way out, I let Meg know where I was going. When she reminded me to check in regularly, I grinned and said, “Yes, ma’am.” Meg was practicing her Mama Bear skills on the SSI team.

Half an hour later I parked a few blocks from the bridge and circled around to the far end. I held my gag reflex in check when shifted wind filled my nose with the scent of stale cigarettes, urine, and body odor. I steeled myself for the job at hand, knowing the smell would get stronger with every step I took towards the camp.

As I approached, I scanned the makeshift tents and cardboard box homes. If I was lucky, I’d spot him right away and be able to convince him to leave without having to talk to anyone else.I had a pocket full of five and ten-dollar bills to loosen their tongues, just in case. I also had two photos of Will, one clean and sober, the other from a previous arrest when he’d been strung out.

Lady Luck wasn’t on my side.

The homeless camp was about the length of two city blocks.This could take a while. Before talking to anyone, I sent a quick text to Meg to check in, then put my phone in my front pocket along with my wallet. I made sure my jacket covered my gun before taking out the photos of Will.

I steeled my resolve as the wind picked up. The smell filled my nose again, leaving a nasty taste in my mouth. As I entered the camp, people turned away or hung their heads to avoid making eye contact.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I walked on. Knowing they were watching me, I glanced back every few steps to make sure no one followed me.

Only one person didn’t avoid looking at me. If fact, he’d openly watched me as I walked down the street. When I got close, I lifted my chin in greeting and asked, “Can you help me?”

“Who are you?” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and tilted his head back, attempting to look down at me. An intimidation technique that might have worked if I wasn’t five inches taller, a good forty pounds heavier, and armed.

I rounded my shoulders a little more. Hoping he’d be cooperative if he thought he’d succeeded in intimidating me.I can pretend for a few minutes if that’s what it takes.

“Name’s Doug. I’m looking for someone.” I held up the pictures. “Goes by Will, maybe you’ve seen him?”

“You a cop?” He asked as he looked at the pictures. Recognition flashed across his eyes.

“No. His parents hired my investigation company to find him and bring him home. They’re worried about him.” I appealed to what I hoped was his compassionate side.

“He’s here.” He tilted his head towards the far end of the encampment. “But I doubt he’ll want to leave with you.” He spat at the ground between us.

I nodded. Would he be a problem if I had to drag Will out? Just because I could handle him in a fight didn’t mean I wanted to. I handed him a ten and thanked him for his help.

I turned and walked a few more yards, actively listening for footsteps matching my cadence behind me, before spotting Will coming out of a tattered, makeshift tent.

Slowing down my steps, I studied him as I approached. He looked more defeated than defiant, giving me hope he’d come willingly. Though I didn’t like the look of the bigger, older guy he was talking to. Something about his eyes made me suspect he was cruel.

“Excuse me, Will?”

Will turned towards me and looked me up and down, his expression changing as he realized I might be a cop. Hope flashed across his bloodshot eyes a second before fear replaced it. He looked down at the ground. His eyes were puffy and covered in bruises in varying shades of green, blue, and purple.

Poor kid.

All I had to do was convince him to leave with me. The flash of hope I saw in his eyes meant he probably wouldn’t put up a fight. Especially if I offered him a warm meal and some cash to come with me.

But it wasn’t Will who answered me, it was the mean looking guy standing near him. “Who the fuck are you?”

I kept my eyes focused on Will, but moved so my body was turned towards the other guy. I felt the energy around me shift as a small audience formed to watch. I did some quickmath, knowing I could handle the mean guy if it came to a confrontation, and maybe one or two from the crowd, without having to draw my gun.

Maybe.

I didn’t like the odds of getting out of here without firing a shot if the crowd had a mob mentality and turned violent. I took a few deep breaths, to gain control of my rapidly accelerating heart rate, and instantly regretted it, thanks to the stench.

I answered his question but directed my attention towards Will. “My name is Doug, and your parents hired me to bring you home. They’re worried about you.”

Will glanced over his shoulder just as Cruel Guy answered, “He ain’t goin nowhere.” Will flinched when the guy grabbed his shoulder.

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