Ethan Found a Frozen Backpack Hidden in the Garage — Then His Mother Saw the Name on the Travel Card
Chapter 2 — Julia Mercer
Claire closed the garage door behind her.
“Give me the bag.”
“Not until you explain.”
“Ethan.”
“Whose is it?”
Claire looked toward the travel card in his hand.
“Where did you find that?”
“Inside the pocket.”
Her face became even paler.
Ethan held it up.
“Who is Julia Mercer?”
Claire sat down on an old wooden stool.
For several seconds, she didn’t speak.
Then she whispered:
“She used to work with me.”
Ethan frowned.
Claire worked as an administrative coordinator at Havenbrook Community Services.
The organization helped families with temporary housing, transportation, and emergency financial support.
Ethan had visited the office before.
He had never met Julia.
“Why do you have her backpack?”
Claire rubbed both hands together.
“Because she asked me to keep it safe.”
“In a freezer?”
Claire looked embarrassed.
“I panicked.”
“About what?”
She stood again.
“Please give it to me first.”
Ethan shook his head.
“No.”
Claire stared at him.
Then she looked toward the house.
“Your father can’t know yet.”
Ethan’s expression changed.
“Why?”
“Because this is bigger than you think.”
“Then tell me.”
Claire took a slow breath.
“Julia disappeared six days ago.”
Ethan froze.
“Disappeared?”
Claire nodded.
“She stopped coming to work.”
“Did someone call the police?”
Claire looked away.
That frightened Ethan more than the answer itself.
“Mom.”
“Yes.”
“And you’re hiding her things?”
Claire shook her head quickly.
“Not for the reason you think.”
Ethan looked at the backpack.
Then at the phone.
“Then we should turn this in.”
Claire whispered:
“We can’t.”
