Police to Hold Press Conference at 4 pm at Carter’s Bridge
Another text vibrates though a second later. It’s my mom.
Come home. Now.
I look up and meet her clear blue eyes. “I guess I can’t avoid this any longer.”
“Yeah,” she says, “I’m not sure any of us can.”
13
Kenley
Chief McMichael stands at a makeshift podium at the edge of the bridge. The bridge itself has been closed most of the day and behind him are a series of emergency vehicles. Fire, ambulance, police. One has K-9 written on the side. Others are marked as state agencies.
I’m with my parents, caught in the middle of the large group that has gathered to listen to the Chief update the community about Rose’s disappearance. Whispers spread through the group that there must be some kind of news for them to call us like this, but with so many emergency personnel around, it seems unlikely the search is over.
I spot Finn with his parents and a splotchy-faced Juliette. Ozzy is over by the side of the road and Ezra, if he’s here, is hidden.
“Kenley!”
I look around and see Alice’s head ducking and weaving through the crowd. She squeezes in next to me. “Where have you been? I was looking all over for you at school.”
Alice would be both hurt and angry to know we’d all met at the cottage—even if inadvertently. Luckily, the microphone squeals with feedback and Chief McMichael’s voice booms across the crowd.
“Thank you for coming,” he says, placing both hands on the podium. “As most of you know, today has been long and exhausting—and it’s not over yet. I’d like to update everyone with what we know. At seven-thirty-six last night we received a call to 911 services that a vehicle had been abandoned on the bridge. An officer was dispatched to the scene, where she found a 1968 VW Bug parked in the northbound lane. At that time, Officer Grace Miller checked the vehicle for occupants and found no one inside. The car was empty and there was no evidence of anyone at the scene. At that point she ran the plates, and it was determined the vehicle was registered to City Council member Brice Waller. We learned after contacting Mr. Waller that his daughter Rose drove this vehicle and that she hadn’t been seen that day.”
It’s a flurry of information. Had no one really seen her that day? Not even her parents for breakfast? Did that mean she took off the day before? But who drove the car to the bridge if it wasn’t her? So many questions.
/> “Officers have been tracking Rose’s social media, cell phone, and plan to continue interviewing family and classmates for any helpful information. Although we have not given up hope that maybe Rose is alive and well, a decision has been made to utilize state services and begin a search of the water. Tomorrow we will have a voluntary search for the banks of the waterway. If you’d like to join in the search, please meet here at seven a.m. Adults only. Students need to attend school, where counseling will be provided for any and all students.” He looks over at Mr. Waller and adds, “The family would like to make a statement.”
Brice Waller grabs the hand of his wife, Regina, and steps toward the microphone. He’s in a slate gray suit and a small campaign button is pinned to his lapel. Regina looks devastated, her face splotchy and red. She’s a beautiful woman, just like Rose. Tears prick at my eyes seeing her so upset. She must be terrified.
“Thank you for coming,” Mr. Waller says, his voice steady. “It’s reassuring to have so much support from the community we love so much. I can’t express how today has been the hardest day in my life.” He reaches for Regina’s hand. “Our life. Our beautiful and vibrant daughter has always been the cornerstone of our family. And we want to send a message to her, in case she’s listening: Rose, sweetheart, we love you. If you’re out there, please contact us. Contact your friends.” He glances into the crowd, smiling at Finn. “There are people here that just want you to be safe.”
Juliette sobs, pressing her face into Finn’s chest. He wraps his arm around her, providing comfort.
Mr. Waller continues, “I also want to add that if anyone knows anything, even the smallest detail, please let us or the police know. Anything could be helpful as we search for answers.”
He steps back from the podium and a voice calls from the crowd. “Wait!”
All eyes shift to Juliette, who is walking up to the platform and is dragging Finn behind her. Chief McMichael steps forward to intervene, but Mr. Waller encourages them forward. After a quiet conversation, Juliette walks up to the microphone, pushing her long, blonde hair over her shoulder.
“As most of you know, I’m Juliette Chandler. Rose is my best friend—well, more sister than friend. I’ve organized a vigil in her honor tonight at the high school. Just a place for all of us to get together and share positive energy that will hopefully guide her back home.”
I don’t miss the best friend/sister comment. I shouldn’t feel petty and territorial at a time like this, but the wound runs deep. Finn looks incredibly uncomfortable standing next to Juliette, like a deer caught in headlights.
“Please join us on the back field at seven.”
She waves and with that, the press conference is over.
“Well, that was rich,” Alice says, a few minutes later. We’ve moved away from the crowd, and my parents have gone over to talk to the Wallers. My friend is busy shooting daggers over at Finn and Juliette. “Way to make this whole thing about you.”
She’s not wrong, but I keep that thought to myself. “Are you going to go tonight?”
“To play homage to a bratty mean girl? No, I think I need to wash my hair.” She studies me. “What? You are?”
“I guess so.” I look over her shoulder and catch Ozzy’s eye. He gives me a tight smile. “I should probably document it, you know, in case we want to use this for the yearbook.”