Page 25 - My Home on the Earth

‘Are you all right, Alice? We were in the area and your text sounded serious. What’s up?’
‘I didn’t expect you to come so soon,’ she whispered. ‘But I don’t think it’s serious, Steve. More of a concern. I have Cara here with me so tread gently.’
‘Hi, Cara. What’s this? Can’t your mum and dad feed you these days?’ joked Steve.
‘Hello, Uncle Steve,’ replied Cara.
‘This is my mate, Liam.’ The younger officer smiled and gratefully accepted coffee and biscuits whilst Steve spoke to Cara. ‘Grandma told me you’ve seen a boy hanging around outside your school. Can you tell me a bit more about him?’
Cara took a deep breath and told her uncle whereabouts she’d seen the boy ‒ at the barrier, Annetta’s shop, and outside the school. Steve listened before saying it wasn’t a police matter and there was little he could do. Inwardly, he was concerned. In 2015 he had been involved with the police investigation in Nestonbrook where Robin, Elise’s brother and Cara’s cousin, had died. Alice might be right to be suspicious, and I can’t allow anything to upset Elise or her mum. What is he doing here? he thought.
Steve told Cara not to worry. ‘Maybe he just looks like someone you know ‒ that often happens.’ Just then, his phone rang and he went outside to respond. Whilst there, he called Cara’s parents and told them of Alice’s suspicions.
‘I don’t want to alarm you but if your mum is right, I
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