Inside the office, Caleb sat in a big leather chair with a juice box, swinging his feet. Two officers stood beside him, and neither looked angry. One was holding a small crumpled drawing. “Mrs. Bennett,” the older officer said, “your son is not in trouble. He did something this morning that we need to talk to you about.” My knees nearly gave out. Principal Walsh pulled out two chairs, and his hands were shaking.

“Caleb noticed a boy hiding behind the gym,” the officer continued. “A boy named Mason.” My heart skipped. Mason was the friend he had described all week. The officer unfolded the drawing and slid it across the desk. In a child’s careful handwriting were the words: “Please help me. Nobody is home.” Beneath it was a street address, and my husband went pale.

I know you’re curious to see how this story ends, and there’s still so much to discover!