“I think there are adults who need to tell you the truth,” I said. “And I’m going to stay until someone does.”
He studied me carefully.
“You promised you wouldn’t leave before you saw.”
“I saw.”
“So now you can leave.”
“I’m not going anywhere yet.”
His shoulders lowered a fraction.
It was the first time since we had met that he looked less prepared to be disappointed.
I called the number listed for his father.
Daniel Granger answered on the fourth ring. Behind his voice I could hear machinery and people talking. He worked at an equipment repair company on the eastern edge of town.
“This is Officer Mara Ellis,” I said. “I’m at your mother’s house with Silas.”
There was a sharp pause.
“Why?”
“He approached me outside the school and asked for help.”
“Is he hurt?”
“No.”
“My mother?”
“She isn’t here.”
