“Is that necessary?” Her voice was all squiggly. It sounded like those waves coming off the road on a hot day. If those waves made a noise.

“I think it’s best,” he said. “We won’t be long. There’s a seat just outside my door. Maisy? Would you mind?”

I went outside and sat in a plastic orange chair. There was a table next to me with a plant covered in dust and white dots. The door was still open a tiny bit. I closed my eyes to listen. I wanted to know where Rowan was hiding. I wanted to know when we could bring him home.

“We have Mr. Gill in custody,” he said. “As I said we had a number of calls, and one came from the owner of a convenience store. Mr. Gill was there buying some items, and we arrived just as he was leaving. We were able to bring him in. He’s cooperating somewhat. Answering questions.”

“What did he say?”

“He was with your son. He’s confirmed that. And Mr. Gill was wearing a shirt belonging to your husband.”

“Telly’s shirt?”

“One from work, I suspect. Your husband’s name embroidered on the pocket.”

“Where on earth would he get Telly’s shirt? Was he in my house? In my bedroom?”

“No, ma’am. He claims it was a gift from Rowan.”

“A gift. Huh.” I could hear Gloria blow out air.

“Mrs. Janes, the shirt supports Gill’s claim that there was interaction between him and your son.”

“And? What else does this filthy man say?”

“We’re still trying to get things straight.”

“What does that mean?”

“He indicated that some type of altercation took place, an argument. He said that afterward Rowan drifted off his own way.”

“Drifted off?” She sounded mad now. “Who says something like that? Kids don’t float away like balloons.”

“I understand your frustration.” I heard papers crumpling then. Maybe the man was messing up his desk even more. “I’m just relaying what he’s communicated to us so far. We know he’s spent time with your son. That’s evident.”

“So where is he? Where’s Rowan?”

“Well, we’re taking a three-pronged approach. One, we’re working to determine what happened when they were together. Two, we need to understand the circumstances as to why your son is no longer with Mr. Gill. And number three, as rapidly as possible, we are doing everything we can to locate Rowan.”

“This is just beyond me.” She blew out more air.

“Mrs. Janes?”

I listened but no sound.

“There’s something else.”

Nothing.

“Do you know your son’s blood type?”

And even more nothing.

“If you don’t know it, don’t worry. Most parents don’t remember. Why would they need to?” He coughed. “I’m sure we can track it down with a call to the hospital where he was born. That should be on his file.”