Based on these facts, it is the conclusion of the MPD, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals that finding Asher Mayfield—and his son Brecken—is a top priority in the effort to locate the three missing minors.
Due to dyslexia, she never trusted herself when it came to reading and writing, but she didn’t take the time to dither over that and sent her work right to Malone to get the warrants moving.
Then she began making calls to the families, starting with her sister.
Tracy pounced on the call. “What’s up?”
“We had a productive meeting with the FBI and U.S. Marshals and have formed a plan to find Brecken Mayfield and his father, who’s well-known to law enforcement, in the hope that he’ll lead us to his son and the missing kids.”
“That’s it? That’s all you have after almost twenty-four hours?”
The question stung, even if she knew Tracy didn’t mean it as a personal attack. “That’s actually a lot when you consider how much data we had to sift through to get to this point. I believe we’re on the right track, and our efforts should yield results. It might not happen as fast as we’d like it to, but we’re doing everything we can.”
“That’s easy for you to say when it’s not your kid who’s missing.”
“That’s unfair, Tracy. You know how much I love Ethan. We’re doing everything in our power to find him and bring him home. I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll call you if there’re any developments.”
“Mike’s out driving around, hoping he’ll spot him somewhere. I told him that’s a waste of time, but he didn’t want to hear it.”
“He needs to feel like he’s helping.”
“I hope he’s also looking for a new place to live.”
Sam took a deep breath. “I’ll be back to you soon.”
The line went dead.
Even though she knew exhaustion and emotion were fueling her sister’s words, Sam felt beat up after the conversation. As she found the numbers for the other families, she hoped those conversations went better. She detailed the same recitation of facts that she’d presented to Tracy.
Joaquin Cambra was silent when she finished. “Do you think they’re still alive?” he asked softly.
“I have every hope they are.”
“The longer this goes on, the less hope I have.”
“I’ll keep you apprised of every development.”
“Thank you for your compassion.”
“I’ll be back in touch.”
Luna’s mother, Court, wept through the entire conversation. “I’m so scared for her. All I can think about is all the crazy shit boys have said to her and about her. They think it’s okay to talk to a child that way. Who’s raising them to think that’s acceptable?”
In light of the things Sam had learned about incel culture and the manosphere, she chose to evade that question. Court was better off not knowing those details while her daughter was missing.
“Do you have someone there with you?”
“Jordy is here, and my siblings. My parents are on the way from California. It’s just a nightmare, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, it is. My sister feels the same way you do.”
“C-could I maybe speak to her? Mother to mother? It might help us both.”
“Of course.” Sam recited the landline number at Celia’s home. “I’m sure she’d be glad to hear from you.”
“Thank you so much for everything you’re doing for us.”
“I wish it could be more, but we’re leaving no stone unturned.”
