* * *
We pulled up to the school, Raven looking excited. I peered up at the overcast sky, the sun struggling to break through the clouds. “I hope the rain holds off.”
“It’s supposed to, until around four. We’ll be back at the school well before then.”
We got out of the car, and I stood with the other parents and volunteers, watching Raven and Deb organize their little charges. They explained patiently that every group had a leader and a follower. There were four groups of five children, and ten adults. Each of us would be assigned to a group with one adult at the head and one at the end of the rope the children would hold on to. We would stay together as much as possible. They had mapped the route in the zoo, Deb coming to my apartment, where they spent hours planning every detail. I had smiled, watching and listening to them, thinking they were as excited as the kids. I brought in pizza, made sure they had wine, and even asked about Stew. Deb smiled, obviously still infatuated.
“He’s great. Away a lot the last couple of weeks at another new office they are setting up out west,” she explained. “But he says he’ll be around more after next week. We can do dinner!”
I nodded and didn’t commit. We couldn’t avoid it forever, but a little longer for sure. Then Raven either had to tell Deb her true feelings or decide to put up with him on occasion. If they were serious, Raven was going to have to get used to him or never see her friend. I knew she would hate that idea.
A short while later, we loaded up the school bus, the children excited, the parents amused as they watched the kids waving to cars, fidgeting in their seats with anticipation, and talking about the animals they would get to see. I leaned close to Raven, who was seated in front of me.
“Last time I was on a school bus, I was sixteen.”
“Was it a school trip?”
“We were headed to a basketball tournament.”
She turned her head slightly. “Did you misbehave?”
“Never,” I insisted. “But the captain got in trouble. He dressed his girlfriend as a player and snuck her onto the bus. Made out with her in the back seat. Got caught.”
After a quick glance around that no one was looking, I pressed closer, brushing my mouth to her neck. “We can reenact it later if you want. I’d love to make out with you in the back of the bus. Or maybe behind a bush at the zoo while all the little buggers are busy.”
She shivered, then used her best teacher voice. “Behave, Mr. DeSalvo. I don’t want to have to put you in time-out.”
With a low chuckle, I dropped another fast kiss to her skin. “I’d make out there with you too.”
Then I sat back. She shook her head and looked out the window, saying something to the little girl she sat next to. But I saw the soft color on her cheeks and the way she was smiling.
Mission accomplished.
* * *
We broke for lunch about 11:30. The morning had been busy, but fun. Everything was going well. The kids were well-behaved, and the biggest problem we had faced was all the bathroom breaks that were needed. Someone constantly needed to stop and never all at once. But Raven and Deb were patient, as were all the parents, and I just went with the flow. I was watchful, especially when it was Raven taking a child into one of the restrooms. But everything seemed fine. I saw nothing suspicious in the park. Families and couples strolling, lots of kids, tourists, and locals alike, taking pictures, enjoying the day. Guided groups, staff members walking around. Maintenance crews keeping the park clean of litter. Nothing was out of place. Still, I remained vigilant, staying close to Raven, watching her, a niggle of anxiety pulling at me. I had a few men and women around the park, and they were watching too. Mike and Tracey were volunteers. Raven had trackers on her, and we could all see where she was. I had eyes on her every moment I could.
I had learned in my business that when things seemed good on the surface, it often led to chaos. I wanted to be prepared.
I sat next to Raven at lunch, enjoying the simple sandwiches, cut-up veggies, and cookies that were provided. The kids all ate well, and I made sure Raven got a chance to eat, although she was far more concerned that Jenny wasn’t being picked on by Tommy or that John wasn’t eating Lori’s sandwich. I played referee with a couple of them while she ate her lunch, winking at her across the table and making her blush again. I loved doing that.
We continued on our tour, the clouds moving in, the kids a bit more restless and tired. I understood why they chose the morning for the large part of the day, and we only had an hour or so left in the excursion. I had a feeling the bus would be pretty quiet on the way back to the school. Maybe I could make out with Raven in the back. The thought made me grin.
“Ms. Raven—I have to go!” Cindy’s voice piped up. “Now!” she added, panicked.
Raven swooped her up in her arms and headed for the restroom up ahead. I took the end of her rope, and we all paused to look at the ducks swimming across from the building. A few moments passed, and I grew restless. I hated it when she was out of my sight for very long, even though I knew each trip was five or six minutes. I glanced at my watch after seven minutes had passed, about to call to Deb to hold both ropes, when I saw the door open. Except it wasn’t Raven who came out. Only Cindy—and she was crying. She hurried our way, and I rushed toward her. “What is it? Where is Ms. Raven?”
She wiped her face. “I don’t know. I heard her talking to someone, but she wasn’t there when I came out. I tried to wash my hands, but I got water everywhere,” she whimpered.
“Mike!” I yelled. “Take over!”
I burst through the door, surveying the empty room. I hit my alarm, knowing it would signal everyone I had in the park. They knew if I activated it, Raven was in trouble. I barked into my headpiece. “Missing. I repeat, Raven is missing. All eyes open wide.”
I headed to the back, shocked to see another door at the end of the stalls. It hadn’t been marked on the map of all the entrances and exits. I rushed through it, back into the park. It was semi-hidden in the bushes. I ran through them, my gaze taking in the scene. Families, kids, couples. A maintenance man emptying a garbage can, adding to the bin he was pushing.
No one running, nothing suspicious—which made everything suspicious. I hurried back into the restroom, calling Egan. “I need every camera. Get everything. Call the park security and get them on it.” I headed back out to the maintenance man, who had moved forward. “Did you see anyone come out of that restroom?”
The older man looked up, startled. “What?”