Missing Child Read Online Free PDF Page A

to have a more . . . traditional role model.’
    ‘Traditional?’ said Caitlin.
    ‘Masculine, I mean,’ said Naomi. ‘That’s why I like Travis to go to Scouts. One of Rod’s old army buddies is the Scout leader. I like him to have that kind of influence. Life is confusing enough these days.’
    Caitlin didn’t want to get into an argument with her sister-in-law. ‘I think it’s good for kids to know all kinds of people,’ she said diplomatically.
    ‘I suppose,’ Naomi sighed. ‘Well, I’ve got to get to work. If I see Geordie on my way out I’ll tell him you’re looking for him. You should check out Travis’s project. He did it on recycling,’ Naomi said proudly.
    ‘I’ll look for it,’ Caitlin promised.
    Naomi headed for the door and was swallowed by the crowd.
    Caitlin made her way over to the display from Mr Needleman’s class, and began to look for Geordie’s project. Every so often she glanced around, looking for Geordie, but there was no sign of him. She went through every student’s project until she found Geordie’s and then she took it in, trying to memorize everything about it, so she could describe it to him when she saw him.
    ‘Geordie did a good job,’ said Alan Needleman, coming up beside her.
    Caitlin turned and looked at the teacher. He was young – not much more than thirty – but his blond hair was already thinning. He had pale eyelashes and dimples. He wore an argyle vest over his shirt, the latest in running shoes, and exuded a kind of positive energy which made Caitlin smile every time she saw him. Rumor had it that he lived with a male partner who worked at the fire department in Deptford County. ‘He’s very proud of it,’ Caitlin admitted.
    ‘He told me that you helped him collect the leaves and look up the Latin names.’
    ‘I did,’ said Caitlin, beaming. ‘We went over to the Arboretum. It was fun. I love doing things with him.’
    ‘He’s a very special boy,’ said Mr Needleman.
    ‘We think so,’ said Caitlin, scanning the room again for a sign of Geordie. ‘Have you seen him, by the way?’
    ‘Oh, I’m sure he’s running around here somewhere.’
    Caitlin looked at her watch. ‘I hate to leave without telling him myself, but I’ve got to get to work. Will you let him know that I saw his project?’
    ‘Sure,’ said Mr Needleman.
    ‘It’s not like him to miss out on a chance to be praised,’ said Caitlin, frowning as she glanced around the hectic scene.
    Alan Needleman rolled his eyes. ‘They’re all the same that way. Don’t worry. I’ll tell him.’
    Caitlin parked in her space at the college, went into the building and unlocked the door to her office. August and September were usually a nightmare of students changing schedules, changing their majors, changing their minds in general. But, to her surprise, the last week or so had been quiet. She even had a little time to catch up on her paperwork in the mornings before her first student appointment. She went out into the reception area to say good morning to Beverly. Angelic pictures of Beverly’s four kids were lined up on her desk. But this morning a stranger sat in Beverly’s seat.
    ‘Good morning,’ said Caitlin.
    ‘Hi, Dean Eckhart,’ she said. ‘I’m June. I’m filling in for Beverly. One of her kids fell off the deck and broke his wrist.’
    ‘Oh, no,’ said Caitlin.
    ‘She’ll be in tomorrow.’
    ‘Thanks,’ said Caitlin. ‘Do you know what to . . .’
    June held up a hand. ‘Beverly briefed me. All’s well.’
    ‘Thanks,’ said Caitlin, pointing back toward her office. ‘I’ll be in there.’
    June nodded and picked up her phone, which was ringing. ‘Dean Eckhart’s office.’
    Caitlin went back into her small but comfortable office and waited for her phone to ring. But whoever the caller had been, June did not put them through. Caitlin frowned. It could have been some matter that wasn’t in Caitlin’s purview. Of course, she would expect Beverly to be