9.2

As a desk jockey, the days were long and many nights were filled with over time. Lauren stayed busy while building her reputation at the station. Tonight's activity was servalence at the Llama Bowl. The camera's revealed spectators walking and a middle finger or two occasionally. When her phone rang, Lauren knew something was askew.

On the phone her step mother was frantic. All Lauren could decipher was come home and quick. Lauren was tore between her step mothers wishes and her job performance. Her boss would be upset if she left. Her job performance would suffer. But her step mother never asked anything of her. In the end, Lauren reasoned it was best to go.

"Mom!" Lauren yelled as she entered the house. A quick sweep across the living areas informed Lauren that Brooke was not there. Lauren checked the office, but Brooke's chair was empty.

Lauren headed towards her mothers room when she heard a faint sob from the open garage door. Hesitantly, she walked towards the garage and down the stairs into the basement, the sobs getting louder. "Lauren!" her mother cried before taking her into her arms.
A quick sweep of the situation and a cold chill told Lauren everything she needed to know. Her father was dead, and she barely missed it.