I couldn’t speak. I just gave him a simple nod.
His lips quirked to the side with a bemused smile. “Did you hear from Luke about Miles’ family?”
I nodded, pulling out my phone and bringing up the text conversation. “His name is James, he’s a sophomore and plays soccer. He sometimes plays down at Balboa Park. Luke thinks we should try there first.” I put the phone down, not bothering to go into his next text asking what this was all about.
Gulping down the last of his coffee, Uncle Alex slapped the table and stood. “Alright then, let’s get started. Bring your coffee. It looks like you need it.” He slapped me on the shoulder as he walked past, grabbing his wallet and cellphone.
We took my car and I followed his directions to Balboa Park. It took about fifteen minutes to get there, my fingers gripping the wheel tightly the whole way. Uncle Alex tried to keep the chatter going, but my terse, short answers eventually made him shut up. I felt a little bad for being rude, but I was stressed. My insides were thrumming. What would I find out? What would James reveal about Riley?
I knew our chances of actually finding him at the park were slim. Luke was only guessing. We’d probably end up having to call my cousin for more clues, something I didn’t really want to do.
“Pull over here.” Uncle Alex pointed. I steered up next to the curb and stopped the car.
There were some guys playing soccer. We had no idea which one was James. Although I had looked up his freshman yearbook photo, I wasn’t sure I could pick him out.
Slamming the door closed behind me, I shoved the keys in my pocket and reluctantly walked towards the group. It was a sunny day, making the green park look inviting. People were milling around, families played Frisbee and little kids chased each other. A group of guys was playing soccer with a few spectators gathered nearby. It was obviously a casual, friendly game. I scanned the puffing players for James, but didn’t recognize any of them.
We slowed to a stop and Uncle Alex was the first to introduce himself. He approached a line of girls watching the guys chase a white ball around. I wasn’t much of a soccer fan myself, so I could understand some of their bored expressions. My charming uncle sidled up to them and started chatting. I could tell from their coy smiles that they were into his rogue looks and easy grin. He was always persuasive, which is what made him such a good reporter.
“Well, I’m sure an intelligent woman like yourself will be able to give us a hand.” His blue-eyed gaze made the girl blush. Thankfully my eye roll was hidden behind my shades.
“Give us the picture, Zach.” Uncle Alex motioned me over and I dug the photo from my back pocket, caressing my thumb over Dani’s face before passing it to the girls.
They crowded around it. The two girls shook their heads, but one nodded.
“I think I do remember her actually.” The short Asian girl looked at me.
“Zach, this is Colette. She’s a senior at Lowell.”
“Hey.” My forced smile was met with a friendly grin.
She tucked a black lock of hair behind her ear and kept talking. “I can’t remember her name, but I do remember she dated a senior who was like super hot.” Her eyes danced. “Miles Filmore. He was rich and gorgeous and totally swoon worthy.”
“I heard he was a bit of an asshole.” Not to rain on her parade, but I was after honesty.
“Well, I guess he was a bit of a bad boy.” She blushed. “Totally under appreciated by that chick though.” She handed the photo back looking slightly disgusted. “She just up and disappeared. I mean who does that?”
“Do you know the story behind that?” Uncle Alex asked.
“Not really.” Colette shook her head. “But those guys might know.” She raised her hand and waved across the field. “Hey Stefan, come here for a sec!”
The guy frowned, looking reluctant to leave the game, but jogged over anyway. “What’s up?” He puffed.
“Do you remember that girl Miles was dating? The quiet one.”
He looked blank until my uncle popped the photo in front of his face. His eyes rounded. “Yeah, the one who freaked out at the mall.”
“Were you there?” I leaned closer, my heart rate accelerating. “Nah, but Miles told me the story. Apparently they were on this date, he was buying her a Christmas present or something and they ran into a friend of his Dad’s. Riley just went white, like a ghost, and took off. Miles tried to bring her back, but then out of nowhere this tall, blond, skinny guy jumped out and started attacking Miles.”
“Who was he?” Uncle Alex tipped his head.
Stefan shrugged. “Just some druggie. Miles said his eyes were all bugged out and kinda creepy. He thought the guy was seriously trying to kill him. The mall cops arrived and he was taken away, I think.”
“And you never saw…Riley again?” It was a struggle to say her name. Dani suited her so much better.
Colette shook her head. “She wasn’t at school on Monday…or any day after that.”