Page 108 of I Could Never
“Okay. I’m gonna call him right now.” I began packing up my things as fast as possible. “Lorraine, everything is going to be okay. They’ll find him.” Mindlessly tossing various tubes into my carrier, I said, “I’m getting on the next flight out there.”
“Thank you, Carly. I’m shaking right now. I don’t know what to think or expect.”
I slammed my large makeup trunk closed. “Please call me right back if anything changes.”
“I will.”
I turned to my client. “I’m so sorry. I’ve had a family emergency. I have to get on a plane to New England.”
Her eyes widened, and she nodded. “Oh no. We’ll find someone to cover for you. No worries.”
As I ran out of the building, I dialed Josh. We hadn’t spoken since our long phone call a week ago, and I hated that this was going to devastate him.
“Carly? Everything okay?” he asked as he picked up.
“Oh, Josh...” I started to cry.
“Carly, what’s wrong? Are you crying?”
“Lorraine just called.” I sniffled. “Scottie escaped from the group home. The police are searching for him.”
“What?” he shrieked. “Oh my God. How the fuck could that happen? That place was like Fort Knox.”
“A new staff member neglected to lock a back door, and that was apparently all it took.”
“Fuck. I’m getting on the next flight.”
“Me too. I’m in my car now headed to the airport. I’m gonna call to book myself on the next flight out as soon as we hang up.”
“Carly…” His breaths were erratic. “I’ll never forgive myself if anything happens to him.”
“Don’t go there, Josh.” I started my car and raced down the road. “We can’t go there.”
***
Thank God, after I landed in New Hampshire, I was able to get a rental car fairly quickly. Another blessing? There was nearly no traffic between Manchester and Woodsboro.
When I arrived at Wayne’s house, I used my key to open the door.
Lorraine was standing in the middle of the living room, looking lost.
“Anything?” I begged.
“No. I’m so scared.” She rushed over and threw her arms around me.
I pulled back. “Did Josh get here yet?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “He’s already out with the search team.”
“Okay.” I took a deep breath. “I’m gonna use the bathroom and then I’ll meet up with him.”
Just as quickly as I’d entered the house, I was in my car again, headed back down the road. Though I shouldn’t have been using my phone and driving, I voice-texted Josh to find out his exact location.
When I got to a street around the block from the group home, I saw him standing on the corner. After finding the nearest parking spot, I rushed out of the car.
Josh’s eyes looked sunken, yet wild at the same time. He was completely distraught, and he hadn’t noticed me yet.
“Josh,” I called to get his attention.