“Getting upset,” I clarify.
Eugene shrugs halfheartedly and rolls his eyes just enough for me to notice. “Baking chicken isn’t that hard.”
Something makes me think he was the one who was upset, or maybe Aisling was worried she upset him. “Do you think that’s why she left, because she was upset?”
“No, I think she got confused,” he retorts without hesitation. “If you aren’t going to help me look for her, can you call your dad?”
“I think I’ll just call the station and let Scotty know. This isn’t any kind of place for someone to be lost.” I make a point of looking around the farm but give the house a good hard look too.
“They aren’t going to do anything anyway. She hasn’t even been gone twenty-four hours.” Eugene slaps the side of his leg.
“If there’s a reason for them to think she may be in danger, or the circumstances are unusual, they will.” I pull out my phone and dial the HCPD, not waiting for Eugene to object again.
“Hello, Hill Crest Police,” Deloris answers. Even after all this time, I still recognize her voice.
“Hey, Deloris, it’s Frankie.” I keep my eyes on Eugene, even though a wave of nostalgia passes over me. It’s been a long time since I’ve spoken to her. I usually just call Dad’s cell phone.
She lets out a little gasp and then says, “Frances Bishop?”
“Yeah, it’s me.”
“It’s been too long. I was madder than a wet hen when I heard you were in town and didn’t stop by to see me. Your daddy isn’t here, but you probably already know that,” she rambles.
“Yes, I know he’s not there. Who’s on shift this morning?”
“Moore is here. Scotty is out checking on the bus route. Impatient fools, we almost had an accident last week when a car didn’t stop for the flashers. Can you believe that?”
“I can.” I nod, trying to speed this along. “May I speak with Officer Moore? I think we have a little bit of a situation.”
“Oh dear, he just went to the boys’ room. I’m afraid he might be a while, he had three cups of coffee this afternoon. Can I help you with something?” Deloris offers.
“Aisling is missing.” I realize then I never confirmed her last name, or Eugene’s for that matter.
“Eugene’s wife, oh no. Not again,” she says softly.
I turn my back to Eugene, whose eyes are locked on me, not looking very happy, but at least he didn’t try to warn me off calling again. “Yes, he mentioned Dad has helped him find her before.” It’s clearly a question.
“Bless his heart, yes. She had a stroke a while ago, and the poor thing gets confused.” I sag a little. Knowing that Eugene was telling the truth and this has happened before comes as a relief. He seemed to think that only Dad knew about this, but it’s clear Deloris knew too.
“Eugene mentioned that,” I confirm.
“I’m surprised he told you about it. Usually, your dad handles it alone. Poor thing, she’s going to be upset when she gets her wits about her.”
I look down at the ground, feeling a little guilty that I was so suspicious of Eugene. “I’m out at his place helping him look around. Can you let Moore and Scotty know? If we don’t find her soon, we might need some help.”
“Oh, you betcha. It never took your dad more than a day or two to find her,” Deloris replies, completely unfazed.
“A day or two?” I look over at Remy, who seems to be eyeballing Eugene, making sure he stays put while I’m on the phone.
“Well, there was that one time, right after she got out of the hospital, when she was gone four days, but that was a while ago,” she continues, as if someone missing for four days isn’t a big deal. “I’m sure she will turn up soon.”
“Let’s hope so,” I mumble, feeling a little deflated. I thought calling the station would be akin to calling in the troops, but I don’t think that’s the case.
“I’ll make sure to get a note to Baldwin when I leave for the day if I don’t see him. He’ll be in this evening. We’re a little short staffed with your dad gone. I’m so glad you’re there to help the Dobys,” Deloris coos.
“Happy to help,” I say, but my tone would beg to differ.
“All right, now let me know when you find her,” Deloris responds, and I know the call is coming to an end.
