Gone

Peggy A

“Off the record.”

“If I thought Dougie was in any real danger, I’d pull him out of that house in a heartbeat. I have noplace to take him, of course, but I’d figure something out. I’ve followed up with both Stanley and Laura Carpenter; I can’t find anyone who has an unkind word to say about them, and I did find about half a dozen boys from the high school football team who swore Mr. Carpenter helped them turn their lives around. And I’ve visited Dougie multiple times; I’ve never seen any sign of bruising on him, nothing to suggest violence. Given his troubled past…”

“You think he’s lying.”

“I think Stanley Carpenter’s ‘tough love’ approach feels like war to Dougie. But it may also be the only hope Dougie has left.”

“Do you know if Rainie had made any conclusions?”

“I haven’t seen any report.”

“Rumors?”

Peggy A

Kimberly nodded, sat back. Quincy had hinted that Rainie was begi

Kimberly sighed now, frowning, trying to think of what to pursue next. “Was Dougie in school?”

“First grade.”

“Can you give me the name of his teacher? Maybe he or she will know something.”

Peggy A

“That’s what I figured. What about a psychologist? Now that he’s at the Carpenters’, is he going to appointments?”

“Not that I know of, but again, Laura could tell you more.”

Kimberly had talked to Laura briefly after her run-in with Dougie. From what she could tell, Laura didn’t know anything. Really, honestly, didn’t know anything, which Kimberly had thought was an interesting trait in a foster mom. It was as if Stanley had wanted to take in a foster child and Stanley had designed a program for a foster child and Stanley now had a foster child. Laura was simply along for the ride.

Kimberly hadn’t seen any outward signs of bruising, but in her personal opinion, Laura fit the profile of an abused wife. She wondered if Rainie had thought the same.

Peggy A

“Is it still raining outside?” Peggy A

“Drizzling, yeah.”

“Did you look? Maybe he took a coat with him, or umbrella, hat and gloves.” The woman’s tone was wistful. She was worrying about Dougie again, and Kimberly understood that Peggy A

“He was last seen in sweatshirt and jeans,” she said quietly. “We have the sheriff’s office out searching for him now.”

“I see,” Peggy A

“We don’t really think he’s lost,” Kimberly said as kindly as she could. “We believe he may have been kidnapped.”

Peggy A

Kimberly rose out of the chair. “If there’s anyone else you can think of for me to speak with…”

“I will let you know immediately.”

“And if for some reason you should hear from Dougie-”

“I will let you know immediately.”

Kimberly was at the door. Peggy A

“Peggy A

Peggy A

Kimberly honestly didn’t know what to say.

Peggy A

“Why?”

“Have you checked the thermostat? It’s dropping into the low forties. And if he’s already cold and wet…”

The rest didn’t need to be said. “We’re doing everything we can,” Kimberly reiterated.

Peggy A