“I can’t imagine why you would even think such crazy things, Mol.”
“Probably because of the assembly today.”
“What assembly?”
“We had an assembly at school with a special speaker from the A-twenty-one Project. She spoke on human trafficking and how it’s everywhere now. Some of the things that lady said were pretty shocking. I guess it’s still on my mind and it made me wonder about that girl.”
“Oh, that’s what this is about. I think that sort of thing mostly happens in big cities, not in quiet small towns like Paradise Valley.”
“Not according to the speaker today.”
“Really? I’m surprised to hear that.”
“Did you see there were three girls in the backseat?” Molly looked over at Emily as they came to a stop sign.
“No, sorry, I didn’t. You had a better vantage point than I did.”
“Like you said, it’s probably nothing.”
“Yeah. They’re probably just her sisters.”
~*~
A few days later, Emily dropped by Camille’s for a short visit, wondering if Molly had mentioned the Asian girls to her. Camille said she did mention them, but she tried to tell her daughter that Emily was likely right, it was just parents trying to raise teenage daughters who wanted to be with boys their parents didn’t approve of. Molly seemed to accept it, Camille said.
“Can you imagine anyone thinking we have sex slaves here in Paradise Valley?” Camille shook her head and sipped her iced tea.
“It does sound pretty far-fetched.” Emily ripped open a packet of sweetener and stirred it into her tea.
“What sounds far-fetched?” Peter asked as he entered the kitchen.
“Oh, hello, Peter.” Emily smiled to hide the rush of warmth she felt, a little surprised by his presence.
“Emily and I were talking about the possibility of human trafficking in our area.” Camille took another sip of tea. “The idea of sex slaves in Paradise Valley, I think it’s highly unlikely.”
“After the investigative reporting I did back east, I believe it could be anywhere.” Peter pulled out a chair and sank down onto it. “I think most people would be surprised to learn it might be in their own backyards.”
“Oh, pish-posh.” Camille eyed her brother.
Emily giggled at Camille’s odd reply.
Peter rolled his eyes. “Our mom used to say that when she thought something was a bunch of bologna.”
“That’s right,” Camille agreed, wagging her spoon at her brother, “a bunch of bologna.”
Emily pushed her chair out and stood to leave. “I’d better get going. I have some errands to run. Thanks for the tea, Cam.”
“Was it something I said?” Peter grinned. “I didn’t mean to chase you off.”
“No, really, I have to be going.”
“Don’t forget, Saturday is the season opener for Boise State football. Everyone’s invited over to watch the game here,” Camille said. “I have some amazing food planned—pulled pork, nachos supreme, chicken and bacon sliders, hot parmesan artichoke dip.”
“I’m getting hungry just hearing about it.” Peter’s eyes lit up as he commented.
“What can I bring?” Emily offered.
“Don’t worry about it.” Camille waved her freshly manicured hand as she stood up. “It’s all taken care of.”
“I know I’m not the cook you are, Cam, but I can certainly stop by the store and pick something up.”
“Why don’t you bring drinks, then?” Camille relented.
Emily smiled and gave Camille a light hug. “See you both later.” She turned to leave but stopped and spun back around. “I almost forgot to tell you, I’ll be bringing Colin, too.”
“Colin? That’s wonderful, Em.” Camille rushed at her and gave her a hard squeeze. “I knew he’d eventually come back, but you never said a word.”
Camille released her firm hold on Emily and she caught her breath. “Until I knew for certain, I didn’t want to say anything. You’d all be asking me about it, driving me crazy.”
“So I finally get to meet this mystery man who holds your heart.” Peter looked into Emily’s eyes, locking on her gaze.
Was that envy she saw? “Yes, you’ll finally get to meet him. I think you guys will hit it off.” She hoped they would, anyway.
“I look forward to it.” He slowly broke his gaze from her and turned his attention to his sister. “Is Maggie coming, by chance?”
“Why yes, I believe she is.” Camille glanced at Emily and raised her eyebrows as if to say Is he interested in her?
Emily hoped so. She remembered her conversation with Isabel about this very thing. The best way to get over one love is to find another, they had agreed.
~*~
As Emily pulled away from Camille’s house, it was about four o’clock in the