Lost Voices

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

By the time we made it back inside the clubhouse, a crowd had formed. Between members rushing to get away from approaching storm, and the curiosity seekers who had seen the police arrival and all the activity down the beach and playground area, it was hard to walk into the club without being bombarded with questions as we pushed open the doors.

The manager took the situation in and motioning to Moira, led the young mother to one of the private reading rooms where she could sit and wait for word from police. The manager left Moira to see to the mother, knowing instinctively that Moira’s soothing personality would keep the woman calm

“Maybe if Tommy’s mother has something to occupy her hands and mind with, she wouldn't be quite so traumatized,” Louise murmured, more to herself than to me. Giving me instructions stay by the door and not let anyone in that didn't belong, she rushed off to the restaurant area to bring back a tea service for us.

The Staff of the clubhouse was excellent. In a matter of minutes they carried out her orders, and now the three of us sat in the quiet reading room waiting.

"He was so happy to spend the day at the beach today. I never have to worry about him wandering. I only took my eyes off him for a minute."

It was obvious the mother needed to talk, and we were there to listen.

"Tommy loves his time at the beach and he knows the rules—doesn't go near the water unless I'm with him. He never wanders away from me. There must've been something enticing that grabbed his attention."

I couldn't help myself, I had to ask questions. It was both by nature, and because I was concerned for the mother and the lost little boy.

"Would he follow somebody or something? Maybe a stray dog or something that caught his attention, and he wandered towards it?"

"He's been taught all the lessons of 'stranger-danger' and he knows the rules. I've never had a problem with him going to somebody he doesn't know. Yes, he's a friendly boy, but he is also cautious. He would never go toward somebody he didn't know unless I was with him."

She picked up a cup of tea and I couldn't help but notice her hands were shaking as the teacup rattled against the saucer. As she took a sip, she seemed to think more about my questions.

"I know he knows better about people strangers, but my son loves animals. If he was distracted by an animal or saw one hurt and decided to follow him? I... I don't know, I wouldn't put it past him. Tommy's the type of boy who brings home wounded birds and tries to make them better. My husband is always complaining our backyard looks like a zoo."

"That's a good trait in the child, nothing to be ashamed of. And it's a good thing to remember as well. It will help the searchers to know that type of information." Moira patted her hand, murmuring words comfort. I hated myself, but I had to ask the next question and I braced myself, hoping the mother wouldn't come hysterical.

"Is there any possibility he would've wandered off into the water? Maybe he saw a fish or a shell that caught his eye?"

The mother surprised me, she didn't get hysterical, but instead she looked at me and nodded, understanding this was a question that would have to be asked.

"Tommy loves the water, but he's terrified to go in it without somebody beside him. He's gotten pulled under by a wave more than once, and he knows that he needs an adult with him. It was a valuable lesson that day that he got hit by the waves, but it’s one he hasn't forgotten. And I know deep in my heart he wouldn’t go near that water without me or someone he trusts."

It was easy to hear the confidence in the mother's voice, she knew her son well, and she had no doubt in her mind that he had not wandered off his own free will towards the water. I gave a sigh of relief. You couldn't argue with that kind of determination. The saying ‘mother knows best’ is often true, especially in a crisis.

Before I had the chance to ask any more questions, there was a disturbance outside the door. I could hear people asking questions and I realized that Detective Byrd had made his way up to the clubhouse. I looked towards the door and watched as it opened, and the detective and Peter walking in together. I saw the concern in their faces and I knew with no words that there had been no sign of Tommy. The boy's disappearance was still unsolved.

Detective Byrd made his way over to us and he sat down in front of the mother, taking both her hands in his. The action surprised me; the man did not seem like the type who would show that type of physical compassion. But people surprise you, and I've learned that over and over.

"Mrs. Clifton, there's no sign of Tommy down at the playground or on the beach area, and we will expand our search to other areas. Now, I need you to answer some questions for me. Just basic questions. And, I’m going to need a current picture of Tommy. It would be helpful.” Detective Byrd took the picture she dug out of her purse and looked at it before continuing.

"I'm going to have one of my officer’s take you home. If Tommy's wandered off, he might try to reach you there. Or, if somebody has found him they might take him home. The clubhouse will stay active here, and I'm sure the manager will let us know as soon as they find anything out." Detective Byrd looked my way and seemed to notice that I had formed an instant rapport with the mother. "Mackenzie, would you mind going with Mrs. Clifton? And once you get to her house, help her make phone calls to all of Tommy's friends and playmates. Ask their parents if they've seen him. We need to eliminate every possibility."

"Of course, I'll be happy to do anything I can."

I didn't need to be asked twice. I helped the mother get to her feet, made sure she had her phone and purse with her, and then followed the police officer waiting to take us to her home. Moira was close behind me and I was grateful to have her with me. I was sure I would need her calming ability to deal with the mother. We didn't go out the same door that the detective had come in, instead we walked our way through the staff area where we would be unnoticed and able to leave quickly. As I left the room, I turned back to Peter and made a motion for him to call me. He nodded that he understood, and I knew he would go right back out and continue with the searching. We were all going to do whatever we could to find that lost boy.