As Courtney drove me to school that morning, she kept saying she would call the hospital and the police to see if there was any news about Arron. She kept telling me everything would be okay.
I just stared out the window.
When we pulled up, I saw Mark and Beth waiting for me by the school doors. I got out of the car and walked toward them.
Beth stepped closer. "Ready for more information? About the truth?"
Mark's head snapped toward her. "Wait—you're telling her everything?"
"Yes," Beth said, crossing her arms. "She deserves to know."
"I want to know," I said firmly. "Arron is missing. And I have a feeling John has something to do with it."
Mark and Beth followed me toward my locker. They had always been there for me, no matter what. They'd been my friends for as long as I could remember. I didn't know what I'd do without them… or without Arron.
Beth opened her locker and started grabbing her books. Mark leaned against the locker next to mine, watching me with that protective look he always had.
I loved when he did that.
I don't think I mentioned this before… but I like Mark.
I keep it to myself though.
He had tan skin, soft brown hair, and green eyes that always looked worried about me. He was kind, gentle, and he always stood up for me. If he knew I liked him, he didn't act like it.
Beth grabbed my hand before I could shut my locker. "At lunch, we'll talk more," she said. "I'll tell you something big today."
"Okay." I hugged her tight.
Beth went one way, and Mark and I walked the other.
Mark looked down at me with that soft, concerned expression that made my heart melt. "Katie… are you sure you want to know the truth about your family? It might be too much to handle right now."
I swallowed hard. "I can handle it. I just need answers. And I need to find Arron."
---
Meanwhile, Courtney was at work waiting by her phone. On her break, she called the police for updates. They said they were still looking for Eric and Jose, and they'd notify her immediately when they found anything.
Courtney hung up and returned to her desk.
She worked as a secretary at a law office while studying to become a doctor. Everyone loved her. She was about 5'10", with long blonde hair, blue eyes, seven tattoos — including one of Arron's name — and six piercings. She was the nicest person in the world… unless you pissed her off. Then you were done.
John walked into her office and said he needed a word.
Courtney followed him outside.
John crossed his arms. "If you want my help finding out where Arron is — and what Jose knows — I need my favor first."
Courtney took a deep breath. "What favor?"
John smirked and brushed his hand through her hair. "You're going on a little trip with me this weekend."
Courtney's jaw tightened. "Fine. But I need to make sure Katie will be okay."
John walked away with a grin, knowing he already had plans — plans that had nothing to do with helping Courtney… and everything to do with control.