Chapter 2

“Circumstances beyond my control,” Abby explained about the home invasion ... both parties ... government and diplomatic. “I’ve been ‘inconvenienced’ by purported governmental minions.”

“What about your Dad?” asked the Judge.

“He was rather vocal about governmental interference at the mine. He swore a lot ... kicked my stuffed kitten and stormed out the door. Haven’t seen him in a week,” she held up a finger. “Myndee is missing, Alice is concerned about her mom, Janna Li.”

“Figured it out, I see.” Her Honor said.

“Janna Li? Yes. Janna ... and Li. Not Jannali. I wondered about Alice ... I thought Li was Janna’s rapist.”

“You have Alice Li?”

“Janna and Alice,” Abby said, “According to Dad and Myndee, Janna had nowhere else to go, so we kept them. For years, I thought Alice was my sister.”

“Abby?”

“Yes?”

“You’re a truly nice girl.” That was a statement ... not a question. “When would you like to meet. We’ll include Alice.”

“Hold on ... door.” I said. “I’m coming ... no need to knock it down.”

I put Jenny on hold and went to the window. Shit ... a white government Holden. I took Jenny off hold and suggested she ‘listen in.’ I opened the door.

“Abby Austin?”

It wasn’t so much of a question as an accusation.

“Yes?”

“Where is Alice Li?” she was pinched face ... like she had a bag full of lemons in the car and had freely partaken of them.

“School ... but since I wasn’t a party to her leaving, I can only assume...”

“What school?”

“I can check ... her grades were delivered by mail last week. But to do that I’ll have to go inside ... if you’ll pardon me...”

“I’d rather go with you...”

“Stop ... has your office called to ask for visitation permission?”

“No.”

“No? Do you have a warrant?”

“Listen up Missy ... you are interfering with a government official...”

“Jenny.”

“On their way,” spoke my pocket.

“Who was that?” Miss Puckerface said.

“Federal Judge Jenny Wren.”

Sirens from down the street. A whole fleet of white government Holden cars whipped around the corner and roared up the hill. The other white Holden ... the first one was surrounded ... her car ... you know ... Puckerface. Yeah ... her.