Page 35 of Ethan's Command

“We need to speak with Principal Kahana,” Brooklyn said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to sound composed.

The woman’s expression shifted to one of concern. “She’s expecting you. Please, go in.”

Brooklyn nodded her thanks and crossed the room, pushing open the door marked Principal’s Office.

Inside, Principal Kahana rose from behind her desk, her warm brown eyes filled with sympathy. She was a tall woman with a commanding presence, her dark hair streaked with silver and pulled back into a neat bun. The Hawaiian print blouse she wore seemed incongruous with the grim expression on her face.

“She greeted them, her voice calm but serious. “Please, sit.”

Brooklyn hesitated, her hands twisting together as emotions froze her in place. She didn’t want sympathy, she wanted her nephew back. Ethan rested a steadying hand on her lower back, guiding her to the chair nearest the desk. She sank into it, her stomach churning.

“What happened?” Brooklyn asked, her voice tight. “How did Liam… how could he just disappear?”

Ms. Kahana’s lips pressed into a thin line as she sat back down. “Ms. Alexander and Mister?”

“Foster,” Ethan supplied.

She nodded. “I’ll explain everything we know, but first, let me say how deeply sorry I am. This is an unprecedented situation, and we are doing everything in our power to assist law enforcement and ensure Liam’s safety.”

Brooklyn’s fingers clenched into fists. Words of comfort were meaningless when Liam was missing. She wanted action. Answers.

The principal leaned forward with a serious expression. “Liam was last seen during recess. He walked across the playground and approached a black SUV parked just outside the gate. He got into the vehicle willingly, carrying his backpack.”

Brooklyn’s breath hitched. “Willingly? Are you sure? Did anyone see who was in the SUV?”

Principal Kahana shook her head. “Unfortunately, the vehicle had tinted windows, and there were no visible plates. Our security cameras captured footage of the incident, which I’ve reviewed, but I’d like you to see it for yourselves. Mr. Hale, our head of security, is standing by to assist.”

Ethan’s voice was low and firm when he said, “We need access to that footage immediately. Every second counts.”

Principal Kahana nodded and pressed a button on her desk phone. “Mr. Hale, please join us in my office.”

Moments later, the door opened, and a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped inside. He was neatly dressed, and his sharp eyes seemed to miss nothing as they scanned the room. He was a far cry from Harry, the security guard Brooklyn always saw on duty.

“Principal Kahana,” he said with a nod before turning his attention to Brooklyn and Ethan. “I’m Mark Hale, head of security for Mauna Loa School. I’ve been reviewing the footage and coordinating with the authorities.”

Brooklyn frowned at him. “Where is Harry? He is usually so good about looking out for the kids.”

“Harry is out sick. He hurt his back. Eugene was on duty but failed to notice Liam walk down the driveway.”

“I need to see the footage,” Ethan said without preamble.

Hale nodded. “Of course. Follow me.”

Brooklyn’s legs felt shaky as she stood, but Ethan’s hand on her arm grounded her. They followed the man down a hallway to a small room filled with monitors and computer equipment. The hum of electronics filled the space, and the air smelled faintly of stale coffee.

Hale moved to a workstation, his fingers flying across the keyboard. “This is the camera that captured the incident,” he said, pulling up a video feed. “The timestamp coincides with recess; about twenty minutes before Liam was reported missing.”

Brooklyn leaned forward, her breath shallow as the video began to play. The camera showed a clear view of the playground. Children laughed and ran, their carefree movements a sharp contrast to the wrenching fear in her chest. Liam appeared on the screen, standing near the swings with his backpack slung over one shoulder.

“There he is,” she whispered, her throat tight.

The video continued, showing Liam turning away from the playground and walking toward the fence. A black SUV idled just beyond the gate, its windows dark and impenetrable. Liam stopped for a moment, as if considering something, then opened the gate and approached the vehicle.

Brooklyn’s stomach churned. “Why would he do that? He knows better than to get into a stranger’s car. And why didn’t anyone stop him? They should’ve known something was going on. He would never bring his backpack to recess.”

Hale’s voice was calm but edged with tension. “As I said, Harry is out sick, and Eugene is new. He isn’t as familiar with the goings on here as yet. Liam must’ve recognized whoever was inside the vehicle. Or thought he did.”

On the screen, Liam opened the back door of the SUV and climbed in. The door shut behind him, and the vehicle pulledaway, disappearing from the frame. Brooklyn’s hands flew to her mouth, stifling a sob.

---