UNKNOWN ALLIANCE Page 18

  “I’ll call Brookfield PD and request the K-9 again.” For a moment he thought about telling Roni he and Monica had seen Todd borrow fifty bucks from Crosby Nash but decided he should keep that to himself.

  They continued smoothing out the pieces of paper and reading the tips.

  Mac read, Staff bathrooms’ hot water is lukewarm at best. We need hot water to wash our hands. It’s February.

  “I think this one’s for you.” Roni passed Mac the tip.

  Mr. Mac. I luv u. Jillian.

  He smiled. “She’s my biggest fan. Might be my only fan.”

  Roni laughed as she took the paper back from Mac and placed it in her pile.

  Mac’s next tips said, Rumor is the guy who beat up Stu at the ball was not from Blackstone. Again, with the perfect penmanship.

  “Read this one.” Mac passed Roni the note.

  Roni handed the tip back and asked, “Ummm, how could a kid from another school get into our gym? Plus, they had to have school IDs and a ticket.” She grimaced and tilted her head.

  “You got me. Forge a school ID so you can beat up Stu, of all people? Why? Since when is Stu a threat to anyone?”

  “Right.”

  They finished the task of reading, photographing and filing the tips. Roni had thirty minutes to make it to her criminal justice class at the college. And Mac had the distinct pleasure of finding Hank to ask him to bump up the hot water in the staff bathrooms.

  Mac found Hank sanitizing the classroom door frames and knobs in the upper-grade hallway. Although with the big grin on Hank’s face, it looked more like he leered through a small window in the door.

  “Hank.”

  He spun around to face Mac. The smile instantly changed. His eyes squinted, and his body tensed to stand taller.

  “Can you turn up the heat on the hot water in the staff bathrooms?”

  He glared at Mac for what felt like a long minute. “Why?”

  “The staff wants warmer water to wash their hands.”

  “Fine. If someone gets burned, it’s on you.”

  “Don’t make it scalding hot, just a little warmer.”

  Hank resumed wiping the door frame.

  “Thank you,” Mac said as he left him. Strange dude.

  Chapter 51

  As Crosby drove home from the mandatory staff meeting at school, his mind whirled with ideas how he could be more supportive of Kim. Taking turns with the baby was a good start. He wished he’d thought of the idea himself.

  She was angry he had to go to the school again during his week of paternity leave.

  He turned up the radio and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the music as he waited for the traffic light to turn green. Traffic seemed heavier than usual. With clear skies and fresh snow, he guessed the traffic was due to travelers heading to Lake Tahoe for a ski weekend. His mind wandered to the times he and Kim skied.

  A plan popped into his mind. He dialed Kim’s mother. If she watches the baby for a few hours, he and Kim could go out to dinner. When his mother-in-law didn’t answer, he left a message asking her to return his call. Always home, she must be in the bathroom or otherwise indisposed, he assumed. He chuckled aloud thinking about how your phone might be silent for hours and rings as soon as you walk away from it.

  Contentment washed over him as he considered the restaurant at which they’d dine. He didn’t feel like going out, he wanted to have a drink and chill at home, but he prayed Kim would see he made an effort to help her through her emotional imbalance.

  Even though close to sunset, some of the neighbor kids rode their skateboards in the street as Crosby neared his home. He waved, they waved back.

  He parked on the driveway to avoid making noise from opening the garage door and waking the baby. He thought it seemed weird there weren’t any lights on inside the house.

  Maybe Kim and Amora are sleeping. Perhaps he’d be able to scrap his dinner plan and have that relaxing drink after all.

  As he opened the front door and stepped inside, he paused to listen. Perhaps Kim cuddled the baby in the living room. He didn’t want to be the reason the baby awoke.

  In the silence, he flipped on the light switch and froze.

  The living room looked ransacked. Tossing his briefcase on the floor, Crosby ran to the baby’s bedroom to see if she had been harmed, flipping light switches along the way.

  Amora wasn’t in her room. Across the hall, their bedroom was also empty. Kim and her things were gone. Her drawers hung open and empty. The closet was open and devoid of her clothing.

  Crosby slumped onto the bed. She left me?

  Panic washed over him as he trudged toward the kitchen. A letter from Kim sat atop the counter.

  Crosby - This isn’t working for me. You’ve changed since I became pregnant and I don’t like the new you. You’re distracted and self-absorbed. I want a husband who is loving and supportive, and that’s not you right now. Amora and I are staying at my mom’s for an unknown period of time. DON’T call me. I need a few days to think. Kim

  That’s why her mother didn’t answer my call.

  Returning to the living room, he closed the drapes and retrieved his briefcase. Kim had taken books and videos, tossing what she didn’t want onto the floor. Crosby sat on the sofa. He looked around the room. Empty frames that once held family photos were strewn about as well.

  Crosby popped up and darted to his study, flipped open his laptop and logged into the bank. He sank deeper into his chair when he saw Kim had withdrawn a substantial amount of their savings.

  Anger took over as he grabbed a paperweight from his desk and heaved it against the wall making a hole. “Damn it!”

  He rubbed his tired eyes. Thoughts swirled in his head. He sat in this position for at least fifteen minutes. Eyes closed, temples pounding, shallow breathing.

  Unable to think beyond his anger, he went to the kitchen and fixed the drink he had longed for since he drove away from school. The one decision he made... he was taking a seldom-used sick day tomorrow to guard what possessions Kim hadn’t taken.

  Chapter 52

  Brandi’s mom didn’t feel well—stuffy head, running nose, chills, so her dad cooked dinner. Brandi thought she should at least clean the kitchen after dinner. Her parents were traditional people. Dinner together at the dining room table. Chat about the best and worst parts of your day.

  She liked her parents’ routines, and unlike most of her friends, she enjoyed hanging out with them. Lately, she wanted to spend less time with them and more time with her friends.

  After what happened to her at the Collins’s party, her parents have been clingier than before.

  “Thanks for cleaning the kitchen, princess,” her father said.

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Come watch T.V. with us. There’s a funny show coming on. It’ll crack you up.”

  “No thanks.”

  “Ahh, come on. It won’t kill you to hang out with us for a half hour.”

  “I told Rae I’d chat with her online.”

  “You see her every day. Thirty minutes, that’s all.”

  “Maybe tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” He kissed his daughter’s forehead. “I love you.”

  “Love you too, dad.”

  She closed her drapes, changed into her pajamas, and settled into her bed before opening her laptop.

  Rae to Brandi: Hi! What took you so long?

  Brandi to Rae: My mom’s sick. I cleaned the kitchen.

  Brandi saw CJ was also logged on.

  CJ to Brandi: Hi gorgeous. How’re you?

  Brandi to CJ: Hi.

  Rae to Brandi: Do you want to spend the night tomorrow?

  Brandi to Rae: Sure. I’ll ask my parents. It’s okay with your foster parents?

  Rae to Brandi: Yes. Bring your swimsuit, we can sit in the spa.

  Brandi to Rae: Cool. That’ll be fun.

  Rae to Brandi: I’m still mad the DeSalvo’s won’t let me meet with a swim coac
h. They’re saying yes to almost anything.

  Brandi to Rae: It’s kinda stupid they won’t let you.

  CJ to Brandi: You’re busy chatting with someone else. I’m gonna go.

  Brandi to CJ: No, don’t go. Rae was asking me to spend the night tomorrow.

  CJ to Brandi: So we can’t chat tomorrow, that sucks.

  Brandi to CJ: Rae needs a friend right now.

  CJ to Brandi: I suppose I can live a day without you. You looked hot today.

  Brandi’s cheeks warmed.

  Rae to Brandi: Be right back.

  Brandi to Rae: K

  Brandi to CJ: Where was I when you saw me?

  CJ to Brandi: Tricky. Trying to figure what class I was leaving.

  Brandi to CJ: Come on. This is dumb. When am I going to meet you?

  CJ to Brandi: Are you wearing pjs?

  Brandi to CJ: Yes. You’re dodging the question.

  CJ to Brandi: No, I’m not. Put on a coat and meet me in the park.

  Brandi to CJ: Now?

  CJ to Brandi: Yes. Now.

  Brandi to CJ: I can’t. My parents won’t let me.

  CJ to Brandi: Sneak out.

  Brandi to CJ: If they go to bed, they’ll set the alarm.

  CJ to Brandi: Fine. I tried.

  CJ to Brandi: What color pjs tonight?

  Brandi to CJ: Blue.

  CJ to Brandi: Take a pic, and I’ll give you my phone number so you can send it to me.

  Brandi swallowed hard. Her mind was conflicted. She liked CJ, but she was nervous to send him a photo.

  Brandi to CJ: Okay.

  She took a photo, checked it but didn’t like how her hair was. She posed and took a few more.

  CJ to Brandi: Are you still there? Did you send it?

  Brandi to CJ: Hold on. Don’t be impatient.

  She checked her photos, picked one, adjusted the light and color until she thought she looked cute and sent it. As soon as she hit send she wished she hadn’t agreed to do it.

  Rae to Brandi: Hey there. I’m back. Who’re you chatting with?

  Brandi to Rae: CJ.

  Rae to Brandi: You mean creepo?

  Brandi to Rae: He’s not a creepo. He’s nice.

  Rae to Brandi: You haven’t met him.

  Brandi to Rae: We’re going to meet soon.

  Rae to Brandi: When?

  Rae to Brandi: You’re going to break Stu’s heart.

  Brandi to Rae: Please. He’s a friend. That’s all he’ll ever be.

  CJ to Brandi: I got it. You look so beautiful.

  Brandi blushed and felt giddy.

  CJ to Brandi: Looks like you’re in bed.

  Brandi to CJ: I am.

  She smiled.

  CJ to Brandi: I wish I were in bed with you.

  Brandi didn’t know how to respond.

  CJ to Brandi: I know. Sneak me inside your house.

  Brandi to CJ: I can’t do that. My dad would kill you and then me.

  CJ to Brandi: Sneak me in. Open a window downstairs, in a laundry room or something. After your parents go to bed, I’ll tiptoe upstairs to your room.

  Brandi’s pulse quickened. She didn’t feel afraid but she felt something she hadn’t felt before. She was tempted and thought about what room would be best to open a window when she realized he knew her house was two stories and her bedroom was upstairs.

  Rae to Brandi: I’m logging off. Have fun chatting with creepo.

  Brandi to Rae: See you tomorrow.

  Brandi to CJ: I can’t. My dad is super protective.

  CJ to Brandi: Okay. Do you want to know a secret?

  Brandi to CJ: Yes.

  CJ to Brandi: I was at the End of Year party at the Collins’s home and saw you there.

  Brandi to CJ: Do you know Stu?

  CJ to Brandi: Yeah. I’ve known him for years.

  Brandi to CJ: He said he didn’t know you. Is this Kevin?

  CJ to Brandi: No, it’s not Kevin. But I know him too. So, you’ve been talking about me?

  She twirled a strand of her long hair around a finger.

  Brandi to CJ: Maybe.

  CJ to Brandi: Do you want me to send you a photo?

  Brandi to CJ: Really? Finally. YES. Send it.

  CJ to Brandi: Okay. I hope you’re as attracted to me as I am to you.

  Brandi waited anxiously for her phone to signal she had a new message. It felt like forever.

  CJ to Brandi: Did you get it yet? What do you think?

  Her phone sounded. Smiling and giddy at the thought she would finally see who CJ was. She opened the message and then tossed her phone to the foot of her bed. Slamming her laptop shut, she began to cry.

  The phone, upside down on the comforter vibrated. Then it vibrated again. And again.

  Chapter 53

  Scott, Elaine, and her box of tissue were cuddled together on the sofa watching the T.V. when Brandi entered the living room. Scott paused the show and looked at his daughter.

  “What’s wrong?” Scott said.

  “Ummm. Something happened, and I need to talk to mom.”

  “Okay,” her father said.

  Elaine rose and followed her daughter upstairs. She closed the door and sat on her bed. “Did someone hurt your feelings?”

  “No.” Brandi squirmed.

  Brandi told her mother about the chat forum, about chatting with the friends from school.

  Elaine sneezed a few times, but otherwise listened without interrupting. When her daughter told her she’d been chatting with a guy she didn’t know from school, Elaine got an uneasy feeling in her stomach.

  Hearing that her daughter had been talking somewhat intimately with this person she didn’t know, Elaine felt they’d again failed to protect their daughter.

  Brandi said, “So, tonight he wanted me to sneak out and meet him at the park.”

  “Brandi—”

  “Mom, I wouldn’t. After I said no, he wanted me to leave a window open downstairs so he could sneak inside.”

  “Oh, my goodness.” Elaine placed her hand over her mouth.

  “He told me he was at the Collins’s party and saw me there. And he said he knows Stu. I asked Stu if knew anyone named CJ, he said no.”

  Slow tears trickled down from Brandi’s eye. “He said he goes to my school and he sees me in the hall.”

  “Do you believe him?”

  She shrugged. “He’s told me what I wore to school, and he was correct.”

  “Go on.”

  “Then he asked for a photo and said he’d send me a photo of him.”

  “Did you send a photo?”

  “Yes, of me in my jammies.”

  “Did he send you a photo?”

  Brandi nodded and began to cry uncontrollably.

  Elaine hugged her daughter. They said nothing while Brandi’s emotional rawness subsided.

  “He... he....” Brandi handed her mother the phone.

  Elaine gasped and looked away. “Oh, Brandi. I’m so sorry you had to see that. What a terrible thing to do. We need to find out who this kid is and speak to his parents.” Elaine felt her blood simmering.

  Brandi said, “He keeps texting.”

  “I see that. He wants to know where you went.”

  Brandi retrieved some tissue from her bathroom and blew her nose.

  “I need to speak with your father.”

  “I’m so embarrassed.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s normal to be flattered when a boy pays attention to you, compliments you and shows interest. It’s not okay to do what he did.”

  Fiddling with the wad of tissue, she looked at her lap. “Okay.”

  “I’m going to keep your phone until we decide how to deal with this.”

  “That’s fine. Can I stay home tomorrow? I don’t want him to see me and say anything.”

  “Yes. Of course. I’ll stay home with you.”

  “Mom. You don’t need to do that, I’m a big girl. And besides, dad will be here. I won’t go online. Promise.
I’ll sleep in and then watch movies.”

  Elaine stayed in her daughter’s bedroom until after she’d brushed her teeth. When she kissed Brandi on her cheek, she felt sadness for what her daughter had been through.

  She found her husband waiting in their bedroom. “What happened?”

  Elaine told Scott everything Brandi had just shared. When she showed him Brandi’s cell phone and the close-up photo of the boy’s aroused genitalia, Scott became enraged and smashed the phone into the bed covers. “Who is this kid? I’m going to show his father the smut his kid sent our girl.”

  “Brandi doesn’t know. From what she said, I don’t think CJ’s his name.”

  Scott grabbed the cell phone. “Then I’m going to text the little shit and tell him if he tries to communicate with Brandi again, I’ll call the police.”

  Elaine wrapped her hands around Scott’s hand and cell phone. “Please, don’t do that. Let’s sleep on it. We don’t want our emotions making decisions. She wants to stay home from school tomorrow.”

  “Of course. I’ll be here all day.”

  “She said she’ll stay off her devices.”

  Scott nodded and released the cell phone to her. “What’s wrong with kids nowadays? It’s like they have no morals.”

  Brandi’s cell phone vibrated in Elaine’s hand. She shut it down completely.

  Chapter 54

  Mac kept an eye on Scott parked across the street. He hadn’t brought Brandi to school.

  He and Roni stood in the warming sunshine.

  He nodded his head toward the parking lot. “Why do you think Scott’s here, but no Brandi?”

  Roni turned to look across the street. “Hmmm, not sure.” She said hello to a few mothers who routinely walked their kids to the front door before letting them loose.

  “I’ve got a bad feeling,” Mac said.

  “I hope nothing bad happened to Brandi, she’s so sweet.”

  Stragglers hustled into the school.