“Kristin, it looks like it’s just you and I.”

“Yeah, Dad. I hope we can find those girls.”

I went to the telephone and called up my parents. “Hey, Dad?”

“Yes, is that Adam? What’s up son?”

“I was wondering, could it be possible for you to keep a client under surveillance, and out of sight for me until I get back.”

“Get back, where are you?”

“I’m over in England, I’ll send Mom a postcard.”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Dad, she’s my very closest friend, but I’m afraid this whole ordeal is going awry, just be parents to her, and teach her how to cook! I’ll see you soon.”

“Where do I meet her?”

“I’m putting her on the nine o’clock flight out of Heathrow. She’s going straight to Utica.”

“Fine, I’ll pick her up when she gets here. See you, Adam.”

“Bye, Dad.” I was sad to see Tracy go, but I sent her on a one way plane trip back home, my home that is. I told her that she was to meet my family, who would care for her for the rest of my trip. With a heavy heart, I bid her good-bye. I returned to the school I had once went to in England, but the thrill, excitement, and exuberance I had once had in returning had fizzled. I abhorred the day, but I pressed on. I couldn’t let my true feelings show.

In school, I went to visit my old teachers and leaders. All were impressed by Kristin, and delighted in seeing me back. Many memories came back that day, but they only succeeded in compounding my feeling of loneliness. Try as I might, I could not hide this from my daughter. “Dad, boy that’s coming more easy now, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, dear, what makes you think that something’s wrong?”

“Well, you were all excited about returning to your old school and that, and now you’re like the world has ended.”

“Kristin, the girl of my dreams has left my side, thinking that I don’t love her. I just went back to a place in my childhood where I made friends that I’ll never see again, and I have no idea where those missing girls are, and you’re telling me that I should be happy?”

“Well, isn’t that what God says? Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.”

“I didn’t know you went to church.”

“For a little while. It was mandatory in the orphanage.”

“Well, you’re right. Let’s find those girls and go home!” I gave Kristin a big hug. We went to the apartment, and I contacted the rest of the group.