Chapter 3

The next morning, Kirra woke up and went downstairs where she saw her dad and grandfather talking in low voices. Kirra cleared her throat and the two men looked up. They both looked very tired, with their eyes puffy and dark circles under their eyes. They each had a mug of coffee in their hands.

"Hey babe." Michael said.

"Hey honey." Jack said.

Kirra smiled weakly and poured herself a cup of coffee. "What's up?"

"Kirra, babe, your dad and I think that it would best if you went to stay with Francie and Will for a while, just for a bit."

Kirra almost dropped her cup of coffee. "WHAT? Are you insane? Why Dad?"

"Sweetie, it's just for a bit so Jack and I can start looking for your mom." Michael said, rubbing his forehead.

"I thought that jerk Kendall forbid you to look for her?"

"Well, this is your mom here. We just can't bring you with us. It'll be too dangerous."

Kirra nodded. There was no point in arguing with her father. It would just make matters worse, which Kirra doubted could happen. "Ok. I'll go start packing."

Michael stopped her and gave her a hug. He stroked her hair. "It's ok. We're gonna find her. Meanwhile, we're going to keep you out of school and Will will tutor you, since he's a teacher."

Michael cupped her chin in his hand and brought her face up to look into his. "We'll find her."

Kirra nodded and slowly trudged up the stairs, back to her room. She brought down two suitcases and began packing. She threw in all her favorite clothes, toiletries, make-up, books, her favorite CDs, her laptop and her cell phone. She threw in her purse just in case Francie wanted to take her shopping.

She made sure that there was money in her wallet. And she brought down all her bags to her car, a black Ford Focus that she had gotten for her 16th birthday.

She went back inside and said good-bye to her dad and grandpa.

"I promise I'll call you tons!" Michael said.

"I know."

"We'll get her back Kirra." Jack said. He went over to her and hugged her. Kirra tried her best not to cry.

She hurried out the door and started her car. Kirra heard her cell phone ring and dug it out from her bags.

"Hello?"

"Kirra? It's me."

Kirra smiled and backed the car out of the driveway and began to drive to Francie and Will's house.

"Hello."

"Look, I have some information for you, but we need to meet."

Kirra nodded. "Ok, but where? I'm staying with some friends while my father and grandpa help you and Sark find my mom."

Kirra heard Irina chuckle on the other end. "How did you know?"

"I decided to play spy' the other night. Look, I won't be available until about 6 o'clock tonight."

"Ok. I'm in LA just for tonight. Meet me in the park near the playground at 6. I'll have a white jacket on with long blonde hair. I'll be reading magazine. Come up to me and ask, Excuse me ma'am, but do you have the time? My watch is broken.' I will then give you some information on your mother's whereabouts."

"Thank you."

Kirra hung up her phone just when she pulled up to Francie and Will's house. She parked the car and went up their door. She heard a dog barking and someone yelling. Then the door opened.

Kirra saw Francie standing inside, blocking the entrance so the dog wouldn't get out.

"Kirra honey! Come in!" Francie grabbed the dog's collar so Kirra could get in. "Nicole iand Tyler are in the kitchen waiting for you. Down Wally!" Francie called to the yellow Labrador puppy that was jumping up at Kirra.

Kirra hugged Francie. "Thanks for letting me stay here."

"No problem sweetie. Will's still down at the office," Francie walked into the kitchen and Kirra followed. Will worked at the CIA along with Kirra's parents. Francie was a stay at home mom with her twins, Nicole and Tyler. "But I could use some help with the twins!"

Kirra smiled when she saw two three-year old children at the table playing with Play-Doh.

"Kirra!" They cried in unison. The jumped down from their chairs and ran to give Kirra a hug. Kirra hugged them back.

She helped each of them into their chairs again and helped them create objects out of the Play-Doh. She looked at their dark, round faces, and their beautiful chocolate brown eyes. Kirra stroked each of their heads, which were covered in dark brown hair.

"Francie, I can help with the kids up to 5:30. I told my friend Lacey that I would meet her for dinner. Is that ok?"

Francie smiled. "Yeah! Totally. Will will be home by then and the kids will be in bed soon after that. What time will you be home by?"

"7 at the latest." Kirra hated lying to Francie, but it was her only choice at the moment to help find her mom.

"Ok. Just be a little quiet when you come in since the kids will be asleep."

"Ok." Kirra replied.

"You can have the guestroom. You know where it is. Feel free to unpack all your stuff and that bathroom is yours too."

Francie turned to face her. "And everything will be alright."

"I know." Kirra replied. "I'm gonna go get my stuff out of the car, ok?"

"Ok. When you come back breakfast will be ready."

Kirra smiled, "Thanks again Francie."