‘Andy!’ Maggie’s mind raced. ‘Andy! Kate’s not in her room. I need the car keys.’
Andy’s thunderous footsteps would probably wake the neighbours if her shouting didn’t but Maggie wasn’t bothered. All she could think about was her friend.
‘Calm down. You can’t go out now. You need to sleep. You need a clear head. Maybe she’s over at a mate’s and forgot her phone. You know what she’s like with that bloody mobile.’
‘No. She wouldn’t do that. She promised me. I need to call this in.’ Maggie dialled 999 and explained the situation to the call handler. She needed to speak to Nathan. Her hands were shaking as she tried to find his number. Andy took the phone out of her hand.
‘Sit down.’ Maggie tried to fight him but felt exhausted with worry. ‘I’ll dial Nathan. Just sit there.’ He pointed to Kate’s bed and she walked across the room, hoping her legs were not going to give out on her.
‘Nathan. It’s Andy, Maggie Jamieson’s brother. Kate’s missing. I’m going to pass the phone over to Maggie now. OK. Yep. Thanks.’ Andy handed the phone to his sister. ‘I’ll make you some tea,’ he whispered and left Maggie to it.
She breathed deeply. ‘Hi Nathan. So sorry to call you at this hour, but Kate hasn’t come home, she’s not answering her mobile, and frankly I’m bloody worried about her. I’ve called it in.’
‘You did the right thing, Maggie. Look, I’m going to ring the office and make sure that some officers are dispatched out to her flat, OK? Unless they find something, there’s not much we can do until morning, so I suggest you try and get a few hours’ sleep and come in with a fresh head, OK? You won’t be of any use to anyone otherwise.’
‘But—’
‘I’m not going to argue with you. If I do hear anything, I’ll let you know. Now, go.’
She knew she wouldn’t win this argument. Her brother came in and brought her a hot cup of tea with too much sugar. Their mother always made them super sweet tea when something was wrong and, as much as she appreciated the gesture, she wouldn’t be able to drink it. She took a sip to satisfy her brother and then lay down. Andy squeezed her arm and closed the door when he left.
Maggie stared at the wall ahead of her. It was going to be a long night.