Mike Dixon

„Is that you, Mother?‟
„Has Elizabeth come home?‟
„I thought she was with you, Mother.‟
„No, Humphrey. I got to ballet class a bit late and couldn‟t
find her. Some girls said a red van had been hovering
around suspiciously.‟
„Probably nothing, Mother. She often goes round to Helen
Milios‟ place after ballet. I‟ll give them a call.‟
„They‟re ex-directory, Humphrey. Do you have their num-
ber?‟
„No.‟
„Then I think you should go round there right away. In
view of recent events, you should be concerned about your
daughter‟s safety.‟
The stark realization that something could be badly wrong
suddenly dawned on Humphrey. He kicked off his slippers
and ran to find his shoes. A minute later he was in his car
trying to start the engine. He finally got it going by running
it down the driveway and engaging second gear.
He reached the Milios house and rang the bell. The sound
of music and girlish laughter reassured him. It all seemed so
familiar … Elizabeth and Helen playing records and chatting.
The door opened and Maria Milios appeared.
„Humphrey. I thought I heard your car.‟
„Yes. It does make rather a distinctive sound.‟
He smiled. „I‟ve come for Elizabeth.‟
„She‟s with Kirstin.‟ Mary Milios smiled back. „Today‟s
Wednesday. Your mother collects Lizzie on Wednesdays.‟
Humphrey paled. „She wasn‟t there when mother went to
collect her. We assumed she‟d come back here with Helen.‟
Maria called her daughter and asked what had happened.
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