The Vanishing Girls Of Willow Creek (Willow Creek, #1)

Chapter Twenty Eight

"I'm sorry. I had it on silent. We went to the archives after school."

"Oh. You're still looking into those disappearances, huh?"

We both nodded.

"Promise me you two are being extra careful."

"We are." Jon assured her. "Nothing has happened to us."

Nothing if you don't include him being attacked, Elena's file going missing, my secret "admirer" and the yearbook vanishing.

Neither of our parents had any idea what truly happened to Jon.

"Why does Reyes need to see me again?"

"What? He wants to talk to you like every week."

"Well he probably wants to ask me some follow up questions that Detectives Lambert and Carillo didn't."

"Wait." My mom said. "The police talked to you? When? Where?"

"Today. At school. They were asking about my biology teacher. He was found dead over the weekend."

"Oh yeah. I heard about that. Very sad. But what does it have to do with you?"

"I have no idea. Maybe Sheriff Reyes can let me know." I stood up.

"I can come down with you."

"No, it's okay. Jon will come with me."

"Alright. If you're sure."

"I am." I told her, grabbing her hand. "I swear it. Plus, it's busy and the others will need you here."

"Don't forget that you are my child, my priority above all else, even this bakery." She kissed my forehead.

"I know. I've never doubted that. From you or dad."

A brief smile appeared on her face.

"I know." I said. "I miss him too."

"Oh, get her out of here before you make me cry." She shooed us off, fanning her eyes.

We both gave her one last hug before we headed out.

"Do you wanna walk or wait for the bus?" I asked.

"How long is the bus going to be?"

Checking the app, I said, "About fifteen minutes."

"Forget it. Let's walk. I'll carry you."

He stopped in front of me and bent down so I could jump on his back.

"Are you sure?"

He turned back. "Of course I am. You're like a little spider monkey."

I gasped before chuckling. "I'm not a monkey."

"Of course not." He said. "They're much cuter."

My jaw dropped as he sprinted off like the Road Runner.

"Hey! Get back here!"

After a couple of blocks I finally managed to catch up, but I knew he purposefully slowed down.

"Take it back!"

"Nope."

"Take it back!" I landed another playful blow to his shoulder.