Her note said she was going to her dad’s, but she’d need money or a credit card to buy an airline ticket,” she said as they gathered around the island.
Kyle studied his hands.
“Should we call the police?” Andrea asked.
“Let’s wait for Jake to get here,” Gina said, passing Kyle a glass of milk he’d asked for.
“Did you hear any of the conversation Shannon had with her dad?” Andrea asked.
“I didn’t, but she told me afterward that she wished her dad were here.” He ducked his head when he saw the expression on Andrea’s face. “Sorry, Mrs. Taylor. I know that’s a sore point with you.”
“Please don’t worry about it, and call me Andrea.”
He offered her a quick smile.
The doorbell rang. Andrea raced to answer it. Jake’s calm expression eased her fear a little bit, although she couldn’t say why. “Please come in.”
They all settled in the living room. The bright sun streamed in through the large windows facing the back lawn, warming the space.
“Shannon left a note saying she was going to her father’s in Phoenix. But I don’t believe she would leave me without saying goodbye. And I can’t imagine her going to her dad’s, despite the fact she talked about it last night.”
“Why not?” Jake asked.
“Because she hasn’t seen him for months. He has a new family, and she has always felt uncomfortable even talking about him, let alone going to visit him. He’s never made any real attempt to see her, except in the summer for a couple of weeks. After the big deal he made at the custody hearing, he’s basically left Shannon alone.”
Kyle cleared his throat, glancing from Gina to Andrea and Jake. “Shannon told me she’s had several calls from her dad in the past few weeks.”
“I didn’t know that.” Andrea caught the understanding look in Jake’s eyes. “Well, if my daughter was going to visit her father, she would need more than just her babysitting money—Oh, wait. I forgot something.” She went to Shannon’s room and checked the old-fashioned jewelry box where Shannon kept another stash of money. Empty.
When she returned, Jake and Kyle were deep in conversation.
“Kyle has something to tell you,” Jake said.
“What is it?” She perched on the sofa. That Kyle seemed to know more about her daughter’s life in recent weeks than she did chilled her.
“I’m really sorry. I should have said something sooner, but I promised Shannon.” Kyle scrubbed his face with his hands. “She said her dad was sending her an open plane ticket to Phoenix.”
“When?” Andrea demanded. When had Shannon’s feelings about her father changed? When had they started communicating so regularly?
“Did she mention which airline?” Jake asked.
“No, she didn’t. I’m sorry, but she didn’t tell me anything other than the fact she expected the ticket to arrive soon.”
“There can’t be that many airlines operating out of the Kalamazoo airport, and unless she had the money or a vehicle, she wouldn’t be able to get to Grand Rapids or Detroit,” Jake offered.
“I don’t know what’s going on with her anymore,” Andrea said, her head clogged with the extent of Shannon’s secrecy.
“If it helps any, Shannon felt pressured by her father to go to Phoenix,” Kyle offered apologetically.
“That miserable man. I’m going to call Scott. He’s got a lot of explaining to do.” Andrea stood to get her phone.
Jake held up his hand. “That can wait. First, let’s find Shannon. Why don’t we go to the airport and see if she’s there?”
Again Jake’s calm demeanor eased her panic. “You’re right. I’m just so angry and afraid and mixed-up and hurt.”
“I know,” Gina said, her voice gentle. “We’ll find Shannon before she gets to Phoenix. She couldn’t have left the house much before you got home.”
Jake stood. “Let’s go now.”
“You’re coming with me?” Andrea asked, surprised.
Jake’s expression was resolute. “You asked for my help. I’m giving it.”
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