26

 

Paul walked back into Maven’s condo.

Lizzie was alone, sitting on the couch with an open Bible on her lap. Taking off her reading glasses, she set the Bible and the glasses on the coffee table. Her eyes were red. “Anything?

“Nothing. The helicopter took me over the area Maven should have been. When we didn’t find her there, we flew over the whole city and the other highways that lead back here. And still nothing.”

Tears leaked from Lizzie’s eyes.

Paul wanted to cry, too.

Time was of the essence when it came to missing persons investigations.

“How can someone just disappear?” Lizzie asked as she reached for another tissue.

“Unfortunately, it happens all the time. Do you know how many missing people there are in Ohio right now?”

She shook her head. “Do you?”

“Well, I don’t have an exact number, but I know it’s much bigger than it should be. More than people realize.”

“And apparently there’s one more added to that number as of now.” The last part of her words came out as a sob.

“We’re not giving up, Lizzie. We’ll find her.”

“Yeah, and I’m sure that’s what all the other missing people’s families say, too.”

“It’s not like you to give up.”

“I know.” She wiped more tears. “But I have a really bad feeling.”

“Keep praying and keep your faith. Remember Jesus couldn’t do many miracles in his home town because of their lack of faith.”

She nodded, but looked utterly defeated. “Where’s Ella?”

“After the helicopter ride, I talked her into going home with the promise I would call her if there were any new developments.”

“So, what do we do now?”

“I’m calling Trent Snoddy and we’ll have her picture on the eleven o’clock news if I have anything to say about it.” He pulled out his cell phone and stabbed at the numbers. “Trent, this is Paul Jordon. I’ve got a problem.” After explaining the situation, he continued. “I know it’s unusual to put a missing persons report out for an adult, but I really think we need to.”

“It’s not only unusual, but almost unheard of. We don’t really have any type of confirmation that she’s missing. The woman could be at a movie, for all we know.”

Paul’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the phone in an effort to maintain his composure and his patience. “I know that, but when you factor in that she’s the foster mother of a missing child, that has to change things.” There was a pause at the other end of the phone. Paul counted to ten, not wanting to interrupt Trent’s thinking process. “Well?”

The agent finally answered. “I agree—”

“Great. Let’s get the report going while we contact some of the Cleveland TV stations.”

“Hold on. I said I agree, but that doesn’t mean my bosses will.”

“Whatever. You work it from your angle, and I’ll contact the county sheriff to get things moving here. I want the information on the eleven o’clock news tonight.” As he hung up, there was another knock on the screen door. “Come on in, Mr. Decker.”

A tall, impeccably dressed man walked in. “Just call me Donald. Ella told me the search didn’t go well.”

“It didn’t. She was pretty upset, but I’m glad she went home.”

Lizzie walked over and hugged Donald. “I can’t tell you how thankful we are for the use of the helicopter. That was so nice of you.”

“But you didn’t actually find her?”

“No,” Lizzie replied.

“Sandra and I will do anything we can to help. She gave us back our daughter. We can never repay her for what she did to help Ella.”

“Are you a praying man?” Paul looked at Donald Decker.

“I most certainly am.”

“Good, let’s join hands and ask for God to help us find Maven.”

“Before it’s too late.” Lizzie added.