Page 21 of Stay With Me
Lunabella: Yeah, Joe and Ann are talking about ways to work learning into things that she knows how to do over the summer. Do you think she’s okay?
Me: I think she’s as good as she can be in a new environment. School is scary the first couple of days even when you know what’s going on. I have to make some calls before patrol, but I’ll check in later, okay? I’m also going to swing by the school soon just to check in on Jess, and I’ll report back.
Lunabella: Thank you, Noah. I don’t know what I would do without you. Stay safe okay?
Me: I always do my best. Talk soon
Grabbing the piece of paper, I dial the number Mike left with me. Unlike most local police, I have no issues working with the feds. Are they cocky? Yeah, but they’re just better equipped for some things, and if making this call will keep my girls safe, I don’t care.
The phone rings a couple of times before I hear “Special Agent Hunt. How can I help you?”
What happened to people saying hi when they answer the phone?
“Hi, this is Deputy Noah Andrews down in Griffin’s Den, New Mexico. I have a couple of questions about The Family, and I’m hoping you can help me with them.”
Silence meets me on the other end of the line, and I pull my phone from my ear to confirm we’re still connected.
“Hello?”
“Sorry, where did that name come up for you? Is there a local branch?” he asks, and I can hear papers shuffling on the other end.
“Not that I’m aware of. My girl ran away from them when she was sixteen, so about ten years ago, and now her ten-year-old sister showed up out of nowhere. I just want to make sure they’re safe.”
“The younger sister just showed up? Did she mention anything about running away as well?”
“No. To be honest, she hasn’t talked about it much, which I’m not shocked by because the little she does talk, you can tell how confused she is by the outside world.”
“I imagine. Can you tell me everything you do know?”
“Other than what I already said, Luna doesn’t have any identification, but her younger sister, Jess, presented her birth certificate. I don’t know anything else yet.” I also mention that Luna was confused as to how Jess even found her.
“Hmmm. I’ve never seen them leave the state of Utah. However, anything is possible. I would love to talk to both of them, but I have to be in court for the next couple of weeks, so I can’t come down there. Is it okay if I call you once I confirm my schedule, and we can set something up?”
“I have to make sure they’re okay with it. She’s nervous that someone will take Jess away from her.”
“I promise that I’ll only do what I can to help. I’ve been trying to take these people down for years. The head guy and his sons are assholes to the highest degree, and if they can help me, I’ll make sure they have everything they need to stay safe and together.”
“Thanks. I’ll ask, but I’ll also see if I can get any further information and keep you posted.”
“Thanks. I have to head to a meeting with a prosecutor. I’ll reach out soon.”
“No problem. Bye.”
Hanging up, I make a note that I need to talk to Luna. If this guy can help, I think it’s a good idea. Checking the time, I notice I have a couple hours before I have to pick Jess up. I go through a list of the office crap I need to take care of so I can head to the school to have lunch with Jess before I take her to the bed-and-breakfast after her half day.
ELEVEN
Luna
Walkingintooneofthe cabins to start the beginning-of-summer deep clean, I think about the last couple of weeks since Jess has arrived. My stress level hasn’t gone down, and I’m fighting the urge to pack Jess up and leave.
Even with all the stress, it’s been some of the best weeks of my life that I can remember. Noah has been patient and welcoming, and Jess seems to be doing okay with the transition so far.
While I trusted the school professionals, I wasn’t sure how she would do with going to her summer school tutoring lessons at the actual school, but she seems to be settling in well. She’s exhausted every day, but everyone tells me that’s normal.
As I walk back to my cart with all my cleaning supplies, my phone vibrates, and I smile, thinking it might be Noah.
Seeing that it’s the girls’ group chat makes me smile wider because I love these girls. Even though sometimes I just smile and nod when they talk about things I don’t understand.
