The concert continued, but the knot in my stomach refused to fade.
CHAPTER 44
CHASING THE RUNAWAY
WILL
Istood up and headed out of the gym, my heart pounding as I weaved through the rows of chairs and slipped into the hallway. The sound of applause and muffled chatter from the pageant echoed behind me. I walked quickly toward the girls’ bathroom, stopping at the door and knocking firmly.
A woman stepped out, her expression curious. “Can I help you?”
“Is there a young girl in there? I’m looking for my daughter.”
She shook her head apologetically. “Sorry, no one’s in there.”
I thanked her and stepped outside. A faint breeze brushed against my face as I scanned the parking lot. Parents were still inside the gym, but a few had started trickling out to their cars. Madison was nowhere to be seen.
I pulled out my phone and dialed her number for the third time. Straight to voicemail. She’d turned off her location.
“Damn,” I muttered, typing out another text.
Will: Where are you?
No response.
The knot in my chest tightened as I heard the principal’s voice inside, wrapping up the program. A loud round of applause followed, signaling the end of the pageant. I couldn’t wait any longer, I needed to move.
I texted Natalie.
Will: Can you check the ladies’ bathroom again for me? I’m going to head out before traffic gets bad and start looking for her. Tell Ivy I’m sorry.
Then I called Kelly. She picked up immediately, her voice tight with worry.
“Did you find her?” she asked.
“No,” I said, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice.
“She probably saw you with her and got upset,” she said.
“Kelly, this isn’t a time for blame,” I said firmly. “Do you know Kellen’s number? Or any of her friends? Any idea where she might’ve gone?”
“I’ll send you his number,” she said quickly. “I’ll start calling some of her friends.”
“Thanks. Let’s stick together on this. This is about getting Madison back safe.”
“Agreed,” she said. “Keep me updated.”
I glanced at my phone again.
Natalie: No sign of her anywhere. Let me know what I can do.
I called Natalie.
“Hey,” I said, my voice tight. “I’ve got to go find her.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” she asked. “Jason and Brooke are taking Bebe and James home, so I’m free.”
“No,” I said after a pause. “I think that might upset her more. Hang on, Kelly’s calling me.”
