When Truth Surface (Book #2 of "When Secrets Surface")

Chapter 20

Sophie's POV

"Please," Nichole said looking at me with big, pleading eyes.

"You know I hate parties but I'm sure Dorothy will be interested," I didn't feel like going anywhere since my car's been defaced and someone is threatening and stalking me... and there is a chance Theo will be there and I don't want to risk it.

"Theo won't be there," I slammed my locker and looked into her eyes searching for the truth.

"Fine," I finally caved, "but only for an hour and I'm going straight home."

"You're the best," Nichole hugged me. I am not because I can't even find her sister.

Dorothy's POV

"Ha you going to the party and I'm Bruno Mars," I scoffed spinning around in her revolving chair.

"I'm serious. It's a way of apologizing without apologizing," Sophie retorted.

"Whatever makes you feel better Soph, anyways I didn't call you here to make me laugh. I called you here to show you this," I handed a piece of paper to Sophie.

Persons of interest

Alex

Mark Millers(Father)

Layla(Best Friend)

Roy Mendez

Zach Smith

Ethan

"It's the person of interest list," Sophie replied.

"Duhh, stop stating the obvious. The problem is we never interrogated Naylene's Mom we just crossed her out because we assumed she was too innocent," I said in a casual way.

"So you're suggesting we go and interrogate her properly," Sophie shot me an intense questioning look.

"Exactly," I said pointing at her and scooting closer to the table.

"I can't just walk into my best friend's mother's house and go 'Hey I think you kidnapped your daughter can I ask you a few questions to cross you off my list," Her voice rose with each word.

"No that's stupid ask in a more you know what I mean out with you," Dorothy said shoving me out of my bedroom.

"You know this is my room right?"

"And you know I don't give and you know I don't care now leave,"

"Fine, fine just let me grab my hoodie," I said pushing her out of the way.

I grabbed my hoodie and rushed downstairs almost knocking Mom and Dad over.

"Sorry I need to go to Nichole's place her mom asked me to come over," I mumbled so quickly it sounded confusing.

"Okay just be back before 10, "Mom said still trying to process what I just said.

" Sure, sure ten got it, "I scrambled out of the door and spent the next 40 minutes walking to Nichole's house.

" You're finally here, "Nichole said pulling me into a hug.

" Can I speak to your mom it's crucial for... you know what, "I said my voice barely above a whisper.

"No, I don't know what," Nichole said pretending to play dumb.

"Naylene! I need to talk to her about Naylene," I said my voice slightly louder than before.

***

I sat nervously in Nichole's large living room I used to be here every week but it felt empty. I have been investigating the disappearance of Naylene for weeks but still nothing.

Mrs. Miller, sat across from me, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

I felt bad. Really bad.

"Mrs. Miller, I'm so sorry to have to ask you these questions," I said, trying to sound gentle. "But I need to know what happened to Naylene. Can you tell me about the day she disappeared?"

Mrs. Miller nodded, taking a deep breath. "It was an abnormal day," she said. "We went to your Dad's surprise party but Naylene didn't want to speak to any of us and we gave her space but she didn't come home that night and that's when I started to worry. Days turned into weeks and now we're here,"

I nodded, scribbling some notes in my book. "Did Naylene seem upset or distressed that morning?" she asked.

Mrs. Miller thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it, she did seem a bit off," she said. "She was quiet and withdrawn, and she hadn't eaten much breakfast for weeks now. But I didn't think much of it at the time. I just thought she was having a bad morning."

My eyes narrowed. "Did Naylene have any enemies or anyone who might have wanted to harm her?" she asked.

Mrs. Miller shook her head. "No, Naylene was a sweet girl. She got along with everyone. I don't know of anyone who would have wanted to hurt her."

I sighed, feeling a bit frustrated. She had been hoping for some kind of lead, but so far, everything seemed to be a dead end.

"Mrs. Miller, can I ask you something?" I said. "Do you have any idea where Naylene might have gone? Did she have any favorite places she liked to visit?"

Mrs. Miller thought for a moment, and then a look of sadness crossed her face. "There is one place," she said. "Naylene loved to go to the park near our house. She would often go there to think and clear her head. But I don't think she would have gone there alone.

As I continued to question Mrs. Miller, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sympathy for the woman. She was distraught over her daughter's disappearance, and Sophie could tell that she was telling the truth.

She didn't seem like the type of person who would kidnap her daughter, and I was starting to think that she might be looking for a suspect in the wrong place.

As the interview came to a close, I thanked Mrs. Miller for her time and promised to do everything she could to find Naylene. Mrs. Miller smiled weakly and nodded, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I just want my daughter back," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want her to come home safe and sound."

I walked into the kitchen and saw an empty knife slot but all the other knives were present.

"Mrs Millers how long has that been missing for?" I asked.

"I think after your dad's party," Mres Millers said looking unsure.

Just then, Nichole came downstairs.

" Ready? "

"No I need to check your sister's room," I said rushing upstairs.

When I reached the top, I sprinted into Naylene's room and searched the bin at the bottom of the bin.

"Ash" was written out in Naylene's messy handwriting.

Is this a lead?