Chapter 34: Searching for Amber

Ross stared over at Officer Conner. “So, what are you saying, officer? Can’t you start a search?”

The policeman looked down at his notes and shook his head. “I’m afraid not, son. Amber is nineteen years old and she’s free to go where she wishes. Plus, you’re not immediate family.” He flipped his notepad shut. “You say she left with a lady you didn’t recognize ... then, she called and said she was staying out overnight, right?”, he asked.

Ross nodded. “Yeah ... but, that’s not like Amber ... she wouldn’t just call and say she wasn’t coming home. Something’s wrong.”

Officer Conner shook his head. “You might think that. But, to me it just sounds like a young girl having fun with a new friend. Women are strange, son. Get used to it.” He slapped Ross on the shoulder and stood up from the couch and walked to the front door. “Listen, kid. If Amber doesn’t show back up in the next 48 hours, give us another call. Until then, I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do.” He produced a small card. “Here’s my number.”

Ross yanked the card from the officer’s hand. “Fine. Thanks for nothing.” He watched as the policeman walked away. Useless bastards...

Ross closed the front door and picked up his phone. He dialed Amber’s number again ... for the 100th time ... where are you, babe? He listened as the phone went straight to voice mail.

Officer Sam Conner opened the door and stepped into his squad car. He picked up his blackberry and hit the speed dial. He listened to the ring tone.

“Hello? Yeah, Winston. It’s me, Sam. What’s up?” He glanced down at his notepad.

“What’s up, Sam?”, Winston replied.

“Look, brother. I’ve got a little issue a want to share with you. You ever heard the name Amber Anderson?”, Sam asked.

There was a pause. “Yeah, I know the name.”, Winston said. “Why? What’s up?”

Sam looked down at his notes. “Is she one of your girls?”

“Maybe. What’s going on, Sam?”, Winston replied.

Sam looked up at the apartments. “Look, bro. I just did an interview with a kid named Ross. He says he’s Amber’s boyfriend and they live together. I guess Amber’s missing or some shit. He described a lady Amber left with this morning ... the description sounds a lot like Barbara. Are you two up to something?”

Winston laughed. “When am I not up to something, Sam?”

Sam smiled. “Rarely ... if ever.”

Winston continued. “Look, Sammy ... I appreciate the heads up. Just keep me informed. Okay? By the way, what is Ross’s last name?”

Sam glanced down at his notepad. “Wilson. Ross Wilson. He’s twenty years old. He’s got quite the smart mouth.”

Winston chuckled. “Don’t all kids these days, Sam? Thanks again.”

Sam caught Winston just before he hung up. “Look, man. The kid gave me Amber’s description. Blonde ... nineteen ... excreta, excreta ... She sounds nice.”

Winston laughed. “You’ll get some from her, Sam. Be patient. I owe you.”

“Damn right.”, Sam said. He hung up the phone.