Page 8 of Knight

It’s as good a place as any to start.

Chapter Five

Rina

This day has been something else. It started out as me waiting to see when my husband would get home, and has morphed into me about to speak at a press conference. School has been let out early, but the kids who know Taylor the best have stayed behind and will be standing up with me.

As I walk out of the school, I’m taken aback by the amount of press and people who have come together. The papers in my hands shake as I move to stand beside my husband.

“You okay?” Mason asks, turning to face me.

Although we’re in a crowd of people, it feels like we’re the only two in the room. It’s the way he zeroes in on me every time we’re together. Regardless of what’s happening, he makes sure I know I’m important, and I try to do the same for him.

“Yeah,” I sigh, attempting a joke. “Didn’t have this on my bingo card for today.”

“Me neither, Rina. God, I’m tired,” he admits softly, “and we just got started.”

“You’ve got this.” I wrap my arms around his neck, offering comfort. “You’re going to find her.”

When I release him, I see the city commissioner is standing beside us, and I know I have to let him go. The press conference gets under way, and I listen half-heartedly as a member of the FBI speaks. But when they announce Mason, I give him my full attention.

“Hi, everyone. I’m Chief Mason Harrison of the Laurel Springs Police Department. First of all, I want to thank everyone who has called in tips to the line we opened last night. As of this morning, there have been almost five hundred tips, and we’re checking on all of them. If you’re able, we’re requesting volunteers to help us search the woods behind and around the house. There’s a meeting spot set up at the corner of Tremmel Creek and Fitzgerald, so please head in that direction if you’re willing and able to help. Members of the LSPD and FBI will be there to tell you what you can do to help. Many of you have asked if you can donate money to a recovery fund, and the answer to that is yes, you can. Laurel Springs Bank and Trust have opened an account under Taylor’s name. Go in and ask to deposit to that account. It will go directly to the recovery effort. So far we have a $25,000 reward posted for information that helps lead us to bringing her home. If anyone has any information about who may have taken Taylor, please call the tip line, pull me aside, do it with smoke signals, I don’t care. Just get us the info and let us do what we do best. Taylor,” I look directly at the camera pointed toward me. “We will find you, and we will find the person who harmed your family. We’re looking for you. Stay strong for us.”

He steps aside, and I know it’s my turn. My legs shake like Jell-O as I approach the podium. Once there, I place my papers down and look out at everyone who’s gathered.

“My name is Karina Harrison. I’m Taylor’s homeroom teacher here at Laurel Springs High School, and her family has asked me to speak on their behalf,” I start, running my tongue over dry lips. “On a personal note, Taylor is one of the happiest and brightest students I’ve ever had. She is someone that other kids look up to, someone they can go to to ask for help, and she never makes anyone feel less than. She’s an amazing person, and I beg of you not to turn her into someone who’s afraid. We need more people like her in this world.” I wipe at the tears that have already started.

“The family would like to thank the Laurel Springs Police Department and the FBI for the hard work they’ve already put into this case. They’d like to thank everyone who has offered to help in anyway,” I continue, clearing my throat. “The funeral for Howard and Kathy will take place this Friday at Laurel Springs Baptist, and everyone is invited. There will be a meal provided afterwards, so please stay and fellowship, if you would like.”

As my eyes travel down the page, this is the part I know I’m going to have trouble with. My throat is already closing as I fight to get the words out. “Taylor, we love you and miss you. We promise we’re doing everything we can to find you. There’s no way for us to know what you’ve been through, or what you saw the night you were taken. Please know we’ll be here to help you in the aftermath. However you come home to us, we’ll pick you up and carry you through it. Noodles is waiting for you. He’s sleeping on your pillow we brought from your house. He’s ready for cuddles, and he keeps looking at the door for you. We’re taking care of him. He’s the most loved cat ever.”

I inhale deeply and then go to speak again, but this time my throat does close and tears start flowing uncontrollably. Mason comes up behind me, giving me his quiet strength. “I can’t do it,” I whisper to him. “Can you do it for me?”

He grabs my hand with one of his, and grips the paper between his fingers. “Taylor, you are more loved than you know. We’re waiting for you, and will continue to wait no matter how long it takes. Your family loves you, and we will do whatever we need to, to bring you home. Your entire life is ahead of you, and we promise to give you the best one we can.”

His big hand moving up and down my back is comforting, and gives me the strength to speak what else is in my heart. “There are students we have over the years that touch our souls in ways we never expect. Taylor is one of those kids. She’s loved by so many, and I beg of you; don’t hurt her. Please bring her back,” I cry softly.

The next words spoken sound as if they’re coming from thousands of miles away. Mason holds me close as the FBI makes another plea. In the back of my head, I struggle to think how long this could go on. No more than a couple of days, right?

Chapter Six

Menace

“Why don’t you head home?” Ransom sighs two days later. “We’re gonna have to pack up here in a few anyway. Rain is coming in.” He looks up at the sky while I do the same.

Big black clouds are gathering to the east, suggesting a gully washer coming. Any evidence that may have been out here will be gone. As much as I want to stay out there and continue looking, I’ve been here for almost eleven hours, and I’m dead on my feet. “I think I’m gonna take your advice. You gonna finish up with Donut and Madden?” I smirk.

Ransom groans. “Have I mentioned how much I hate the fact we allowed the community to name our new K-9 and they picked Donut?”

“You may have mentioned it a few times.”

“He can’t sit with us, can he, Rambo?” Ransom murmurs as he leans down, petting Rambo on the neck.

“You are so salty about that name,” I laugh.

“I just can’t,” he shakes his head. “Rambo, Major… and Donut? What the actual fuck, man?”

“You’ve taken this so personally. I don’t think the city of Laurel Springs went out of their way to piss you off.”

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