Chasing Mr. Carlton ( The story of a Shrew's Son)

5

It was a strange sort of comfort, to know that they had so many people on their side- so many people ready to help.  Ruth sighed and moved through the foyer, stopping as she heard a knock on the door.

"Nick... Ryan..." She muttered in surprise as they walked through the door.

"Hey, how are you?" Ryan asked in serious tones.

"So... confused. Anyone else out there?" She wondered aloud. She wouldn't be surprised if Vada and Davide showed up next... or even the notorious Blanca.

"No. Where is everyone?" Nick replied as she shut the door.

"George and Nora are in the living room with Bobby." Ruth began, "Matt and Damian are around here somewhere and Brian..."

"Hey." Brian said, appearing from the other end of the room. "What are you guys doing here?"

"George texted me." Nick said, "I couldn't sleep. Anything yet?"

Brian sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Nothing. Police are sending someone over." Brian said, "did you mention anything to Vada?"

"No. We didn't think it best to disturb in her condition but we let Davide know and we're keeping him updated." Ryan replied. "What can we do?"

"I'm not sure. We've searched the house several times already." Brian replied.

"Then, we'll search again." Nick said with a nod. "We'll start outside... Bea loves to play in the yard out back."

"How long as she been missing now?" Ruth asked, making Brian turn towards her for the first time. He put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a firm squeeze. He glanced at the clock... half past 1 AM. "Almost four hours."

"Oh my god." Ruth said, the words caught in her throat. She wasn't even sure she'd heard them aloud but the look on her face was enough for Ryan to reach out towards her and place his arm around her shoulder.

"Hey, why don't we get you something to drink? Tea, water?" He said, trying to soothe her.

"That's a good idea." Brian said with a nod.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I'll go. You guys please, keep looking." Ruth said, looking up at Ryan with a weak smile.

"We will." Nick replied with a nod, signaling for Ryan to follow.

"I'm going to check in on Nora and I'll meet you two out back." Brian replied, moving just as quickly.

Ruth stared after them for a moment, telling herself that they'd find her. They had to and when they did, she was going to give that girl a piece of her mind.  She walked back towards the kitchen, telling herself it would be okay, repeating it to herself over and over. Poor Bobby, she was a mess and she would continue to be a mess until they found Bea.

As Ruth sliced up a lime, she thought it was so strange that the house could be so full of people and yet so eerily quiet. Usually, even if it was just the four of them, there was plenty of sound. It was either Matt and Bobby arguing over something ridiculous, or the sound of Ruth's music being played too loud, or the sound of Beatrice laughing loudly...

But now, everyone was so quiet, so focused on what they were doing- their minds were on one little person...

"FUCK." Ruth said as she felt the knife graze her finger. She quickly tossed it aside, picking up the nearest dish towel and wrapping her hand up tightly. "Damn it."

She was still for a second, her eyes shut widely as she cringed in surprise and pain. What a moron, she thought, shaking her own head. "Owwww"

She moved towards the sink, clasping her hand tightly and looked at the towel. With a loud and exaggerated sigh, Ruth reached out to turn the faucet on, letting the water run for a second before turning back to her hand.