Free The Disappearing by Jennifer Torres Page B

had finally let go of all that and moved on. Tim didn’t feel the same about her—it was obvious. But he was one of her best friends, and she would never risk losing that over some stupid crush.
    In contrast to Emily, Nina’s long, straight hair was dark brown, almost black. She often scooped it up in a ponytail. Her olive skin tanned easily, and while she was often called beautiful by her friends, she preferred T-shirts and cutoffs to designer clothes. She dreaded shopping for shoes and purses. Instead, she chose to spend her free time tending to the horses on her parents farm and exploring the dozens of trails on the land.
    Nina’s parents were not farmers. They were scientists who worked in a big, important lab somewhere. She explained to her friends that their jobs were “high stress” and that’s why they bought a farm. It was peaceful. And aside from the horses, there were no other animals to care for. And there were no real crops other than a run of the mill vegetable garden.
    They were often busy, distracted with one project or another. And Nina was often alone, but she relished the time to herself.
    Tim emerged from the waves and reached for her hand.
    â€œThe water is great,” he coaxed. “Come in with me.”
    She smiled.
    Then she saw them.
    Men, dozens of them, were spanning out across the crowded beach each wearing the same style black suit and each with a silver badge pinned to the jacket.
    They must be looking for Eva.
    Tim noticed, too.
    â€œI really thought she would have shown up by now,” he whispered. “I mean she just got mad at her mom or something, right?”
    But deep inside he knew something was very wrong. No one ever went missing here before. Briny Deep was safe; everyone knew each other and looked out for each other. It was actually a little creepy how much neighbors seemed to watch each other’s comings and goings. At one time, Tim had actually thought they were just watching him. But he quickly realized that would just be silly.
    â€œWhy do you think they’re looking on the beach?” Nina asked, moving closer to Tim.
    He watched the men as they surveyed the shore line.
    â€œI don’t know.”
    Some of the men had rakes and used them to sift through the sand. Another was on his knees picking up something and depositing it in a plastic bag. A few of the men had started to approach people in the crowd, maybe to ask questions? Others were staring into the crowd of beachgoers, but looking for what?
    Suddenly, he noticed one man was looking right at him.

Chapter 3
A Few Questions
    Quickly averting his eyes, Tim turned to face Nina, but she and Emily had wandered off down by the water. How had they gotten so far away?
    â€œExcuse me, son,” said the man, placing his unusually large hand on Tim’s shoulder. “I’m an investigator and I’d like to ask you a few questions.”
    â€œUh . . . sure,” Tim stammered in reply.
    â€œDo you know the missing girl, Eva?”
    â€œYeah, everyone knows Eva. I mean . . . we didn’t hang out a lot, but we knew each other from school.”
    The man’s pensive eyes bore right through him, and for a moment, Tim wondered if he could read his mind.
    After what felt like an eternity, another question.
    â€œDid you notice anyone unfamiliar in town over the past few days?”
    â€œNo, no one I don’t . . .” Tim’s voice trailed off.
    The man stared, waiting for the rest of the sentence, but Tim was lost in thought. He actually had seen a stranger several days ago.
    â€œI did see someone I never saw before,” he stammered. “I forgot all about it because it seemed like no big deal.”
    Before he could explain, the man lightly gripped his shoulder, ushering him toward the search area where the rest of the men now gathered.
    Two men came forward and stared silently at Tim.
    â€œTell us exactly what you saw,” said the man with