4

 

Emily wasn’t at their apartment. Maria hadn’t expected she would be, but to ease Layla’s mind they’d checked it anyway. Poor Layla, disappointment had shone in her eyes when it was obvious Emily wasn’t waiting for them.

Maria drove to Emily’s house to help with the search.

Cars lined both sides of the normally quiet neighborhood, and small groups crowded the street.

“Mommy, why are there so many people here?”

“Because everyone’s worried about Emily, honey.”

“So am I, Mommy. Where could she be? What do you think happened to her?”

“I don’t know, but we’ll help look for her. Will that make you feel better?” She glanced into the rearview mirror at her daughter.

Layla nodded.

“Good.”

In spite of the approaching darkness, camera crews’ lights brightened the neighborhood as if it was noon. They must have driven in from Columbus.

Maria studied the news crew from her vantage point, making sure no cameras pointed their way. She didn’t need to complicate their lives by appearing on national TV. Hand in hand, she and Layla walked through the Mosts’ backyard.

A man stepped out of the shadows. “Can I help you?”

Maria yelped.

Layla giggled.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you, ma’am. I’m trying to keep the media at bay. They’re trying to sneak in any way they can.”

“We came to help. My daughter is a school friend of Emily’s.” She pointed at Layla. “I own The Bouquet.”

“Oh, the new flower store.”

“That’s the one.”

“Nice place. My wife is always hinting about getting flowers. Guess I should stop in sometime.”

“Women love getting flowers. They didn’t find Emily yet?”

“No, and it’s crazy here. I’ve never seen anything like it.” He shook his head. “I’m standing guard. The TV people are swarming the area. A while ago, one was caught filming through a window. Can you believe that?”

Maria nodded. “I can.” The media frenzy after Raymond’s unmasking on the yacht was life-changing for her and Layla. “I know they have a job to do, but it’s not one I would want.”

“Amen to that.” He scanned the area. “Please wait here.” He disappeared inside the house.

“Why can’t we go in, Mommy?” Layla was impatient.

“Because he has to make sure we’re really their friends.”

The policeman came back and motioned them in.

Layla held her hand and led the way.

Maria’s courage almost failed her. It was important to be a good model for Layla, and it was time to stop being so afraid.

Mrs. Most’s hair was disheveled and her eyes were red, but she smiled when she saw Layla. “Hi, Jazzy.”

Layla hugged her. “Did you find Emily, yet?”

Tears leaked from her eyes, but Mrs. Most wiped them away. “Not yet, but everybody’s out looking for her. Hopefully, we’ll find her soon.”

“We went to our apartment and looked for her, but she wasn’t there.”

“Thanks for trying, sweetie.”

“I’m so sorry.” Maria said. “We came to help search for her. I’m...Jasmine’s mother, Veronica Minor.”

Mrs. Most nodded. “Thanks for coming. We’re so grateful for...” Her hand motioned towards the others. “For everyone who’s helping. It’s amazing. The local pizza shops are bringing food and drink in for the volunteers. Everyone is so...” She gulped back a sob. “I sure hope we find Emily soon. She doesn’t like the dark.”

“This is so horrible, but I’m sure they’ll find her soon.” She handed Mrs. Most a business card. “Here’s my phone number. You call me if you need anything. Really. I’ll help in any way I can. Do you need someone to babysit your other children?”

“No, they’re older. In fact, they’re out driving around looking for Emily right now. She’s...our baby.” The last words came out in a sob.

Mr. Most’s arm enclosed his wife, and she laid her head on his shoulder.

“I’m going out to the volunteer table and see what I can do.”

“Thanks so much,” Mr. Most said.

Layla had slipped away while Maria talked with the Mosts.

Outside, Layla stood in front of a group of cameras talking with a news reporter about Emily and asking viewers to look for her friend.

Panic hit Maria so hard she stumbled as she ran towards her.

Layla couldn’t be seen on TV.

Maria rushed over and stood between her daughter and the camera.

The news woman glared at her. “Hey, we’re doing a broadcast here.”

She shielded Layla from the cameras. “Not anymore, you aren’t. You can’t film her without my permission and you cannot broadcast the segment, either. Turn the camera off.”

The newscaster made a slashing motion across her neck to the cameraman. “Too late. It was live.” The newscaster shrugged. “She’s the one who came up to me. She’s very worried about her little friend. I assumed she had permission.”

“Sure you did.”

“She’s adorable, by the way. People will stop as they’re walking past their TV, just to see what the cute little girl is doing on the news. When they hear she’s out looking for her missing friend, they’ll want to look for her, too. It could make all the difference.”

Maria wondered if she was sincere. She almost believed the newscaster cared.

But Layla being on TV could be very dangerous.

“Make sure the piece doesn’t run again or I’ll sue.” She stared at the woman with an unflinching gaze.

The news reporter blinked, her face red. “Sorry for the misunderstanding.”

“Come on, honey. Let’s go look for Emily.”