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all. There were paw prints in the mud around it. That was nine years ago and he never came home.”
         Tears burned at Esther’s eyes but she held them back, refusing to cry until she was certain the worst had happened.
         
         At 5:30 AM, the sprinklers raised their spinning heads and watered the grass hitting the side of Reed’s truck just as the morning paper landed in the driveway. Esther raised her head from Reed’s shoulder and looked around. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep let alone spend the night in Reed’s truck. They had talked for some time neither one aware when they drifted off to sleep. Esther invited him in for breakfast. Reed picked up the paper and handed it to her as they entered the house.  Opening it, she saw Felicita's picture plastered on the front page with the caption: Local Teen disappears at backyard party. She scanned the article; suddenly her appetite diminished.
         At 7:00 AM, the elderly doctor swallowed a bite of his eggs and put down his coffee mug. He folded the morning paper and laid it aside to pick up his phone, and then he punched a series of numbers with his chubby finger.
         “Hello, Murfreesboro Police Department, how may I direct your call?”
         “Hello, this is Dr. Garrison down at the Regenwood Clinic. I believe I have some news on the missing teen.”
         
     
     

CHAPTER SEVEN
     
                  Esther was furious and talked back to her radio as if the announcer could hear her verbal assault. The reporter was saying that due to a recent development the authorities declared Felicitas Rebold to be a runaway. Esther fumed at the accusation as she pulled her jeep into the large circle drive and parked near the bubbling fountain. She slammed her door unknowingly catching the sleeve of the jacket she carried. She walked forward with determination only to be yanked backward. She bit her lip to keep from cursing. She didn’t curse often but there were some occasions that called for it and this certainly was one but she dare not curse on the property of a minister. Knowing Melvin Rebold as she did she was certain he would have captured the entire scene on his security cameras and replay the incident in front if the entire congregation next Sunday morning and then preach against swearing.
    She freed her jacket sleeve from the grip of the door and tossed it inside. She was heated and had worked up such a sweat she doubted she would need it anyway.  With determination she walked toward the house passing Ian’s car and then several others she did not recognize. 
    Felicitas mother, Sharon, had phoned Esther earlier and asked her to come over and told her a detective was at their home and had some questions to ask her concerning Felicitas. Esther took a quick shower and hurried over. Now hearing the latest news on the radio she had a few questions of her own. One being what in the world would make the police think Felicitas had run away?
                  Sharon hugged Esther tightly before escorting her into the house. She was a stunning woman looking much younger than forty-three. She was a typical southern belle, her highlighted hair flawlessly coiffed brushing the top of her shoulders and her makeup applied to perfection. Today; however, Esther noticed tear stained smudges had erased most of it.
                  Felicitas two sisters Lisette and Hayley, the grandparents on her father’s side and some of her aunts and cousins were gathered in the family room.  Ian was there too sitting on the floor. Esther fumed all over again when she saw Catlin leaning on his shoulder. If the police had any suspicion of foul play Esther would be sure to mention Catlin. It would be a thrill to see her interrogated and watch her admit under pressure that she had a thing for the missing girl’s boyfriend.
                  The detective sat on the edge of the sofa, asking questions and taking notes.