THE LAST STANDING

Prologue

"Today, Senator Sharpe speaking out about the disappearance of his son, begging him to come home, and begging the public for any answers." A video of an older man, dressed in a suit and tie appeared on the screen.

"Atlas...If you're out there, come home. I'm begging you. I'm begging for a phone call. Let me know that you're safe. And to the public-" The man pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed in heavily. "To the public, I beg you...If you've seen my son...If you have any information on him. I beg that you come forward. I'm offering a reward for whoever brings him back alive. One million in cash."

The video flipped back to the table of news broadcasters. "A heartbreaking speech from a heartbroken father."

"Yes, it's been over two months now since 19-year-old Atlas Sharpe was last seen by friends right here in New York City. Senator Sharpe and his late wife's only child."

"Both father and son are in our hearts and prayers as police continue their investigation into his disappear-" The screen turned black. Mackenna turned from the TV she'd been watching and faced her Aunt who held the remote in her hand.

"No!" Her Uncle protested through a mouthful of homemade bread. "Heidi, we were watching that!"

"No, Jimmie, I can't. Wars and terrorism and missing kids, it's awful. It's so depressing."

"It's pertinent information!" He called after her. He sighed heavily before stuffing another buttered slice of bread and cheese in his mouth and grumbling something incoherent as he got up from the table and walked away; Presumably to his office.

MacKenna was left alone to silently eat her breakfast. She was used to eating alone in the mornings. Seeing that it was a Saturday, this morning had been the first that her uncle had joined her. Conversation of course had been zilch since he had immediately turned on the news. Her personal preference was to read the news, however, at this moment she missed the noise as muffled voices reached her ears. The house needed more insulation, she thought. Or the tv to be turned on. Either would suffice to cover the chaos coming from the boys' bedroom. 

"Mom, you've never made a big deal about how we spend our Saturday nights."

"I didn't say you couldn't go, " Heidi clarified loudly, "Just take McKenna with you."

One of the boys scoffed. "C'mon. We only have 3 tickets and I promised Becca a surprise."

"Your cousin has traveled all this way to see you-"

"We didn't ask her to do that." Mackenna's gut twisted.

"James, come on," Sean coaxed. "Let it go. It'll be fun."

"I promised Becca! And I'm not a babysitter."

"She's only a year under me." Sean tried. "And Becca will understand."

"See!" Aunt Heidi cried adamantly. "It's settled then."

"Mom, no!"

"James!" She raised her voice. "This isn't a discussion. She's 18 today and she leaves tomorrow. Take her out. Show her the city. Enjoy being an older cousin. In fact! You can leave as soon as she's done with breakfast."

It was Sean's turn to protest. "Wait, what? No, no, I've got plans this afternoon."

"Seriously?" James questioned. "You're going to complain about your plans after ruining mine?"