Charles Sitton picked up the phone and called the Baldwin home. “Hello, Sam. Charles Sitton here. Say, I’m sorry to be calling so early on Saturday morning, but I tried to get Teddy last night, and I didn’t get an answer. Is he available this morning? . . . Thanks, I’ll be happy to wait.”
Charles sat and stared at the phone for an excruciating five minutes while the Romsons watched.
“Hi, Teddy. So sorry to wake you, but I need a little help. Did Jed say anything to you about going anywhere when you got back?”
“No, sir. He was in a hurry to get home. I think we all were. I know he had to take Lizzie home, but that is on his way anyhow.”
“Okay, thanks.” Charles struggled with what he had to say next, and his voice broke. “Neither he nor Elizabeth arrived at home.”
“Oh, no! I’m sorry! What can I do to help?”
“Right now, nothing. We are just contacting you guys that were on the trip with them to see if you know of anything that might help us find them. If you think of anything at all, even if it isn’t something you think important, please give me a call, or call the Romsons if I’m not at home.”
“Will do, sir. I’m really sorry! I’ll talk with you later.”
Charles hung up the phone, shook his head, and picked up the directory.
“Charles, why don’t we split the numbers,” asked James, “and I’ll make some calls on the office line here? Maybe we can save some time and frustration.”
“Okay, good idea.”
Charles turned to Mary. “Mary, could I trouble you for another cup of coffee?” Mary filled his cup and then topped off her own and her husband’s while they divided the list of names. James picked up his cup and list and walked into the office as Charles grabbed the kitchen phone and called the Alexanders. “Hi, Sandy, Charles Sitton here. I hate to call you at home so early on Saturday, but I need some help. Neither Jed nor Elizabeth got home last night. Did you hear either of them, or one of the other kids, say anything about going somewhere else?”
“Oh, no! That’s terrible! No, I didn’t hear anything. Everyone seemed to be anxious to get home right away. Did you call the police?”
“Yes, I called them last night, but since they both are eighteen, the police can’t do anything unless there is foul play. As far as the law goes, there isn’t anything they can do.”
“I’m so sorry! Please let us know what you find out, will you?”
“Sure thing. Thanks.” Again, he hung up the phone with fear swelling in his chest.