In Other News

Rusty sipped his coffee and looked around the diner. He didn't see the waitress from last time. Everyone deserves a day off once in awhile, he mused. Rusty glanced out the window. Still no sign of Drew. He clutched at the envelope and wished the boy would show up. He wasn't looking forward to the meeting.

Rusty thought about the events of the previous evening. Keith in his truck, Glenda smashing into his lawn and finally, what he had learned from the officer before Glenda was taken away. Rusty was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Drew until the boy slid into the booth.

As usual, Drew looked a little disheveled and out of breath. Rusty surmised that the boy had ridden his bicycle to the diner. Rusty took a deep breath and waited a moment for Drew to settle into the booth.

"Hi, Drew. How have you been?"

"Great." Drew responded impatiently. "Why did you want to meet? Did you find Keith?"

"Sort of. More like he found me. He was waiting in the back of my truck last night."

"Whoa!" Drew exclaimed, chuckling. "Did you freak out?"

Rusty was annoyed that Drew immediately assumed that he had 'freaked out'. It was true, that he had, indeed, freaked out. But it still irked Rusty that Drew would expect it from him.

"It was a bit startling, to say the least." Rusty admitted.

"So," began Drew, "what did he want? Did he know you were looking for him?" Drew paused. "Did he, did he mention me?"

Rusty took a sip of coffee and carefully placed the cup on the table. He'd been holding the envelope under the table and now he pulled it out and tossed it in front of Drew.

"He wanted me to give this to you. And, he wanted to be left alone."

"What is it?"

"I don't know. It's addressed to you."

"And you didn't look inside?"

"Of course not." Rusty replied, indignantly. In truth, he really hadn't had an opportunity to take a peek.

"Thanks." Drew said,stuffing the envelope inside his coat.

Drew started to slide out of the booth but he sensed that the meeting wasn't over.

"Is there something else?"

Rusty nodded. Noting his solemn demeanor, Drew sat quietly.

"Drew, Keith is missing."

"Duh, Rusty. I've been looking for him forever. He's always missing."

"No Drew. I talked to a police officer this morning. Apparently, Keith's car was found by the side of the highway, engine running, door open."

Drew nodded but said nothing. Rusty tried to read his face, but the boy was good at hiding his feelings.

"It could mean anything, Drew."

Drew looked at Rusty. "Not really. I mean, he obviously didn't have car trouble. More likely, his past caught up with him. I'm sure a guy like him had a lot of enemies."

Rusty nodded. "I'm sorry, Drew, but it seems likely Keith ran into trouble."

Drew swallowed. "Or, at least that's what he wants everyone to think."

Rusty looked at the boy. It hadn't occurred to him that Keith might fake his own disappearance but it made perfect sense. It was just the sort of thing Keith would do.