Chapter 219

Savannah nodded and quickly headed out.

But after circling the block, she couldn't find any trace of Brett.

She came back and asked me, "Caroline, did Brett tell you where he was going?"

I was a bit surprised. "What? You couldn't find Brett?"

"He usually plays around here."

Savannah shook her head. "No, I checked all the places he usually goes, but I didn't see him."

I frowned. "Did you check the neighbors' houses? Make sure to check all the nearby homes. Brett might be there."

Savannah nodded and went out again immediately.

She returned shortly, shaking her head to indicate she still hadn't found Brett.

My heart tightened, and I got up to check the backyard.

I was worried Brett might have gone to the small building back there.

As expected, he wasn't there. We searched everywhere, even using the security cameras, but there was no sign of Brett.

I was certain Brett wouldn't get lost. I had taught him from a young age to avoid danger and not to wander off without parental permission.

He knew to hide from danger and to run if a stranger approached.

So Brett had a strong sense of safety. He was probably hiding on purpose, which is why Savannah couldn't find him.

I was furious, biting my lip. With Briar missing, we were already overwhelmed, and now Brett was adding to the chaos.

As noon approached, Brett still hadn't returned. Usually, he and Briar would play outside all morning and come back for lunch.

Holly asked me what to do. I said, "Let's eat as usual. We'll see if he comes back."

Sure enough, at lunchtime, Brett's small figure walked in through the door.

I glared at him. "Where have you been? Do you know Savannah and I have been looking for you? How could you be so irresponsible?"

Brett looked scared. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just went out to play for a bit. I didn't hear Ms. Faith calling me."

"Promise you won't run off again, okay?"

Seeing his pitiful, apologetic face, my heart softened, and I nodded.

"Alright, as long as you know you were wrong. By the way, did you see Briar? Where do you two usually play?"

Brett's eyes flickered with guilt, and he shook his head vigorously.

"I don't know where she went."

I narrowed my eyes, suspicious. Brett and Briar were usually inseparable. How could he not be worried now that Briar was missing?

I felt something was off.

I cleared my throat. "Never mind. Let's eat. We've already called the police to help find her."

Savannah looked at me, puzzled, as if she wanted to ask why I wasn't having Brett go with the police to search.

I winked at her without saying anything.

I suspected Brett might know where Briar was. Otherwise, he wouldn't be acting this way.

Kids are easy to read; their emotions are written all over their faces.

Brett quickly finished his meal and sat on the couch to watch TV.

But his eyes kept darting towards the kitchen, looking sneaky, as if he had a secret.

No one else noticed, but I did. After a while, when Holly came out of the kitchen, Brett made an excuse to go to the fridge for an ice cream.

Soon after, he came out quietly, holding a plastic bag close to his chest.

He ran out the door, calling back to me, "Mom, I'm going out to play. I'll be back by evening, don't worry."

Savannah and I exchanged glances. "Caroline, doesn't this seem a bit odd?"

"This kid is usually glued to Briar. How could he want to play now that she's missing?"

I chuckled. "Follow him. I suspect he knows where Briar is, which is why he's acting this way."

Leo, who had been sitting quietly with a heavy heart, looked up eagerly at my words.

"Really, Caroline?"

I nodded confidently. "Brett finished his meal quickly this morning and slipped away. He ate a lot more than usual, which means he probably took some sandwiches with him."

"Just now, after we finished eating, Holly put the leftovers in the fridge. Brett went to the kitchen and came out with a plastic bag. What do you think he was doing?"

"Briar hasn't eaten in a while. She's probably starving. Brett must be bringing her food."

Savannah nodded excitedly and quickly followed him.

Leo looked at the door with anticipation.

In less than half an hour, Savannah returned, holding a child in each hand.

Brett looked defeated, obediently letting Savannah lead him, while Briar, looking scared, burst into tears upon seeing us all sitting on the couch.

Leo stood up immediately, shouting, "Briar, where have you been? Do you know how long we've been looking for you? The whole family has been worried sick. How could you do this to Ms. Sharp?"

I quickly pulled Leo back to sit down, telling him to lower his voice.

Briar trembled at Leo's yelling, looking up at me with tear-filled eyes. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sharp. I didn't mean to cause trouble."

My heart softened, and I sighed.

She looked so disheveled, covered in dust, her once clean face now dirty.

Her little floral dress was now almost black.

I told Savannah, "Savannah, go tell the police we've found Briar."

Savannah nodded and went out to make the call.

I took Briar's small hand. "Where have you been these past few days?"

Leo, eyes red, glared at Briar. "Do you know how long we've been looking for you? What if something happened to you?"

Briar's tears fell even harder. "I'm really sorry, Dad, Ms. Sharp. Please forgive me."

"Do you know how worried your dad has been? He hasn't slept since you ran off."

"What if you really got lost? What if someone bad took you? You'd never see your dad again. Would that make you happy?"

Briar shivered and cried even more.

She seemed to understand the impact of her actions. Girls mature faster than boys, so she probably thought more about it.

Brett, however, looked defiant. "Mom, Briar didn't want to leave. Why did you make her?"

"She had no choice but to hide. You shouldn't scold her."

I looked at Brett's righteous little face and snorted.

"I haven't even scolded you yet. Did you bring food to Briar?"

Brett nodded matter-of-factly. "Yes, I was afraid she'd be hungry."