Page 6 of Knight

“It’s so hard. When you’re a teenager, it feels as if nothing can happen or go wrong. You’re invincible and the world is so big. I think we both understand that feeling well. They’re young enough they’re still slightly naive, and they aren’t old enough to be scared of things.”

I scoff, shaking my head as I put a palm on her back. “That fear, I remember not having it. I wish I didn’t have it now. I used to go about the world thinking everyone was in it for all the right reasons; that the greater good would always win. It’s changed, so much.”

“I know,” she agrees with me. “Here we are just trying to keep the kids safe, and we have all these unknowns. I’m worried about what Chief Harrison will find when he takes a good look at the footage.”

“If there’s anything Mason’s going to do it’ll be to make the school safer. He’s going to make sure nothing like this happens again.”

The two of us break apart, and I head toward the library. Trinity is still one of my best friends at Laurel Springs High. “Hey,” I wave at her as I come in. “What a morning, huh?”

“Her aunt came in while you were talking to Principal Atwater. Can you imagine? They’ve just lost their sister and brother-in-law, and they have no idea where Taylor is.” Trinity goes quiet and begins stacking books. I think it’s just anything that will keep her hands and mind busy. No matter what any of us have been through, we haven’t been through something like this before.

“I can’t even begin…” I grab a stack of books and start helping Trinity. I need to keep my hands busy too. We’re quiet as we stand next to one another. I’m beginning to think I didn’t want to be alone, and that’s why I’m here. “I called Kels and Ruby this morning,” I admit. “I knew where Caleb was so I texted him, but I checked in with everyone else just to make sure they were safe.”

“I did the same,” Trinity admits and inhales deeply. “Brooks made an observation that he doesn’t think this town has been so shocked since the wreck with him and Trevor.”

“I can see that. Hopefully this doesn’t bring up bad memories for the two of them.”

“Brooks lives with it every day,” Trinity reveals, her voice soft. “He may have forgiven himself for what he did, but he’ll never forget.”

I don’t say anything, but I hope the person who did this to the Kingston’s will never be able to live a day in their life without remembering what they’ve done. “Karina, Taylor’s aunts would like to speak to you,” Principal Atwater’s voice cuts through the thoughts in my head.

I’m unsure why they’d want to speak to me, but I’m willing to help with whatever I can. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since becoming a teacher, it’s that you’ll do whatever it takes to help those around you. You become a helper, and you realize quickly if that’s your calling or not. “Of course. Where are they?”

“Counseling office. I’ll send someone down to watch your class while you meet with her.”

“Perfect. See ya, Trin. We’ll meet for lunch?”

“Yeah. I brought a salad today, so we can share.”

The friendship I have with Trinity isn’t one I imagined I would have because of what happened with Brooks and Trevor. However, Brooks and Trevor have been able to put any hard feelings they had for each other behind them. They will never be the best of friends, but they can stand to be in the same room together now.

“Hi,” I greet them as I enter the counselor’s office. “I’m Karina Harrison. What can I do to help you?”

Two women sit at the table, both looking as if they’ve been awake all night. “I’m Marie, and this is my sister, Debbie. Taylor’s our niece,” she explains. “We’ve been asked to speak about her, but neither of us want our faces shown with what’s happened. How do we know the person won’t come back for us?”

“I completely understand your hesitation, but what can I do?”

The two women look at one another. “We’ve been asked to say a few words, that it might help to get Taylor back… but we’re scared. Could you be the family spokesperson for us? Taylor loves you, you’re her favorite teacher. You’re well-spoken, and you’re the Police Chief’s wife. Would you be willing to help us?”

I’ve never been asked to be a spokesperson for a whole family before. However, there’s no way I can say no to this one. “I’d love to help. What is it you want the public to know? The quicker we get out there talking about Taylor, hopefully the quicker we’ll be able to find her.” I grab a piece of paper and begin taking notes as they talk to me about the important members of their family who are no longer here.

When I’m done taking notes, I flip my phone over and fire a text over to Mason, telling him there needs to be a press conference.

M: I agree, but where are we going to have it?

K: Why not at the school? We can get permission for her friend’s parents to have them stand out there with us. Whoever did this needs to see she’s missed, that we aren’t going to stop looking until we find her.

M: Let me make a few phone calls and I’ll get back to you.

K: Stay safe, big guy.

M: You too, Rina. There’s a lot about this that gives me the creeps.

K: I feel it too. Just let me know what I can do, and when. Love you.

This phone is my lifeline to this man, and I refuse to let it go as I get up and make my way to my classroom.

Chapter Four

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