Maddie worries. She’s tried every way she can to find another clue for Noah to solve the mystery that is Dad, but nothing’s worked. She’ll have to report back to him and Juliet and say she’s failed. Noah will understand, of course he will, but still. She can’t help but mope around the house on a Saturday afternoon, wishing she could be the one to find the Big Clue.
At first, when she hears the noise, she thinks it’s the radio or the tv, but no, there it is again – her dad’s phone.
‘Mom,’ she calls, but of course Mom’s not there. She’s taken the dogs for a walk. Dad’s not home either. He’s at work, had to rush to the office to sort a few things out.
It’s louder now, more demanding, but Maddie turns away from its persistent “Answer-me! Answer-me!”
Invasion of privacy, that’s what answering the phone will be. You don’t go digging into your mom’s bag, your dad’s space is his (and Maddie has already invaded that). Answering his phone …
But what if it’s an emergency? What if he needs something urgently? If only Mom was here, but she’s not, and now it’s ringing again and it sounds frantic …
Beep = Danger
Beep = Worry
Beep = Alarm
Beep-Beep-Beep = Alarm-alarm-alarm.
Maddie turns and runs into the office. Her dad’s jacket is hanging off the back of his chair, the light linen vibrating with frustration.
‘Answer me! Answer me!’
So, Maddie does. She reaches into the inside pocket, takes out the phone, slides the green icon across and puts it to her ear.
‘Hello,’ she says.