Chapter II - The Missing Friend

how this all works. The Volunteer Intervention Team will be getting together this afternoon to organize search parties and pulled together all the information we have about Riley's comings and goings. So if anyone here knows anything, you come talk to me today. I'll be in Principle Jennings office for the next few hours. We have no reason to think that he's in trouble, but obviously his family is very concerned. Because we're not certain of the nature of the disappearance.

Will be postponing the Harvest Festival and enacting a curfew of a p M for all residents under the age of eighteen, and your parents will be getting a call informing them of that fact. So don't you all try to shirk this. Should you see anything suspicious or feel unsafe at any time, you come straight to me or your neighborhood's designated watch member. We've all got to look out for each other now. Thank you From a typical Artists and I hurt radio. You're listening to Maxie Miles.

It's this chapter two, The missing Friend. Oh my god, Oh my god, where do you think he is? Do you think he's okay? THEO? Did you know about this? Yeah, my dad told me this morning. He drove me to school and said, I'm not allowed to walk home anymore. So he thinks it's a kidnapping. No, we don't know that. Ross Well, I mean my dad basically said as much. Riley's bike is missing and he didn't come home last night. Okay, But but if his bike is missing, then then maybe

he has it. I mean, that would be a weird thing for a kidnapper to take. So so maybe he just went for a ride somewhere and got lost or hurt, or he fell down in a ditch or maybe or Maxine, he's going to be fine. He has to be fine. Whoa Max Do you want to slow down? Maybe? Max? Where are you going? Sheriff Combs? Maxine, did Mr Jennings let you in. I believe there's to be an orderly line. Principal Jennings ran the other way when he saw me coming,

and there's no one else out there. Trust me, I would have wanted to talk to everyone now, Maxine, and I know you like to do your own little mystery solving, but this is a serious investigation. It's not little. Look, Hastings hasn't had a missing person's case since nineteen sixty two and hasn't had a kidnapping on record since nineteen fifty four. I read remember a lot. I know how serious this is, so you know that if you've got information that might be pertinent, you've got to tell me.

Of course, I talked to Riley yesterday in the town square around three fifteen. I guess it was right after school. We'd both biked over to see the graffiti. Well, I mean I biked over to see the graffiti, which I'm pretty sure was spray painted by Cody Thompson. By the way, I didn't mention it last night because well because I didn't have enough concrete evidence. But today in home room I noticed that he had some red marks on the left sleeve of his jacket. So that's not looking great

for Cody. Although I'm almost certain he had an accomplice. Anyway, that's that's not important. I was there to see the graffiti, and Riley shot up a few moments later on his way to city Hall. So yeah, it was around three fift um. And and it's okay, Maxine, you take all the time you need. Now, how did he seem? He seemed fine, like like Riley always is. He's swell liked in school, isn't he absolutely? I mean he's only a freshman, right,

and he's not I mean, he's not Cody Thompson. He's not star athlete, homecoming king, popular, but everybody loves him. I'm sure THEO told you as much when you ask him about Riley this morning. You're sharp, but I'm not giving you information about any other conversations I may or may not have had about this particular topic. Fine, Riley is kind to everyone. No one's ever bullied him. He's

never picked on anyone. Even the teachers like him. Although yes he was talking about wanting to get out of Hastings or not wanting to get out, he was talking about family and how it was more than just being related to someone, and he said he was tired of Hastings Earth sick of Hastings. I can't remember the exact wording. Why can't I remember the exact wording? Max, It's okay,

you're doing great, not good enough? If Riley said something yesterday that could be helpful, I need to remember it exactly. Oh oh, he gave me a tip about the graffiti, that it had to have been after one am, or that it wasn't there at one You think Riley was involved with the vandalism? What? No, no way, you said he was acting down on Hastings. No, Riley wouldn't do that. How well did you know him? How well do I know him? You mean, yes? Apologies? How well do you know?

We're locker buddies? What our lockers are right next to each other? It goes Riley Stevens me Ross Teller. It's been that way since the sixth grade. I see him every single day, multiple times a day. So the two of you hang out outside of school? Well, no, but I don't. I don't really hang out with anyone after school between homework and extracurriculars. I understand, But I know Riley. He wouldn't cause trouble and he wouldn't run away, not

with telling someone first. Do you know anything about what he's been doing after school this week? Um, other than talking to the mayor yesterday. I assume he's been working on the next issue of the paper. He's really passionate about the school paper. Do you know anything about the nature of the article he was writing? He said it was just about the town, about the festival. Miss Honeywell, Honeywell, Allana Honeywell. She's the new owner of the maple thorpe

Mm hmm. Did Riley mention when he was supposed to be speaking with her? I'm not even sure he had an interview set up. He didn't talk about her specifically, just mentioned the inn. Maybe it's some kind of new Hastings piece, what with the fiftie festival, the new mining project. You mentioned the mining project? Anything in particular about it? No, but it's Hastings. When's the last time you had a conversation for more than five minutes that didn't turn to mining?

Fair point? Okay, I'll talk to the other kids on the school paper see if there's anything there. Do you think something might have happened to him because of what he was writing about like someone was trying to silence him. Now, let's not get carried away, Maxine. The Hastings High Gazette isn't the Washington Post, and Riley Stevens isn't Bob Woodward. But if he was going around town talking to folks for an article, we might get a better indication of

his whereabouts. I don't want you going around school talking to folks about this now. We don't need the rumor mill or adolescent imaginings mutting this business up. You hear me, I hear you good? Anything else not that I can think of, But if I remember anything else, I promise I'll come right. You'll find me. I know you're a good kid, Maxine. Thanks Mr Combs Sheriff. You'll find him right, We'll find him. You didn't have to pick me up, you know. I could have just biked home like usual.

But when we all got the call that they were cutting the school day and have to focus on Riley. God, it's just terrible. His poor parents. Yeah. I know it's silly to think that one day of driving you home is going to keep you safe, but I'm just glad is on top of it, and that curfew that's a great idea. Sheriff Colmes has never worked on a missing person's case before, Joe, no one in Hastings has. He is way out of his depth. Wall is a trained investigator.

Just because he hasn't had a chance to exercise those skills yet doesn't mean he doesn't have them. And I know that Mr Colmes is going to do his best. But I'm just it's okay to be scared for Riley, you know. No, I'm not. That isn't It's just that they should already be conducting a town wide search, especially in the woods and at the quarry, even the old mines. He could have been biking somewhere and gotten hurt. And asking everybody in town if they've seen him recently isn't

going to solve that. Maxine promised me, you aren't going to go out into those woods looking for Riley. Of course not. I'm not stupid. But don't think I'm going to sit out volunteering for the search party they're putting together. When Mrs Slotsky's dog went missing, they let everyone over the age of fourteen join. We'll see, Joe, I'm not taking it off the table, Okay, we'll see. But until then, no off roading into the woods or the mines. Of course, I'm not going to go to the mines. I don't

have a death wish. Yeah, they are pretty creepy. Hey, on the plus side, we won't have to worry about them for long. Mm hmm. I thought you would have been over the moon about that, kiddo. No mining is good for the environment, right, except it's not no mining. Them blowing up the underground mind so they can focus on making an enormous pit mine is just as bad. No mining would be good for the environment, but that's not what they're doing. You know, this town was built

on the back of that quarry. You wouldn't be sitting where you're sitting if people didn't mind. That's a pretty crappy justification for destroying the planet. Not to me, it's not a happy to be very glad you're here. You know. That's not what I mean. I know, but I also know you love this town as much as you complain about parts of it. I do love this town. I just wish sometimes that Hastings would be more okay with moving into the century. We're not there yet, Max, don't

go rushing ahead all right, kiddo, this is you. You're not coming in. It's not even neon. I gotta go back to work. You stay home, okay. I really think that you're overreacting. Max. Yeah, yeah, I'll stay home. And I told him Riley, I've been mayor of Hastings for thirty five years, and I'm telling you this is going to be the greatest harvest festival we've ever seen. You can take that straight to the bank. He seemed very excited about that. I know how much Riley loves the festival.

That's really all he was asking about the harvest festival. Oh you bet. He made it sound like the piece was about the town more generally, like about the history or the town's future. Well, it is a fiftieth festival, young lady. That's pretty historic. But he didn't ask you about anything else specific. Well, no, not that I can remember. I have many meetings throughout the day, you understand, and

not the mayor I used to be. Of course. It's just well, the school paper doesn't have any of his notes or even any record of what his assignment was, so I'm just trying to piece it together. Maybe he was going rogue reporter cooking up something special to surprise his schoolmates with him, maybe um mayor how yes, my dear, you don't seem all that worried about the fact that Riley is missing. Well, we're not completely sure what is

going on with young Mr Stevens. What do you mean? Well, now, listen, I already told this to Walton, to Riley's parents, but I don't want you spreading any rumors around all right. Of course, whatever you tell me is strictly between us Scouts, honor. Look, I don't know anyone's business. I'm always here for the people of this town, but it's not my job to be everyone's nosy neighbor. But before Riley left he asked

me about bus routes, bus roots. Well. He wanted to know the fastest way to get to Berlin, and I told him he could get the bus from Gorham, but he'd probably have to have his parents drive him to Gorham, so they might as well just drive him all the way Berlin. What would Riley want to go to Berlin for? Like I said, it's none of my business. But when I told what that will, you seem to find it

quite interesting? He thinks he thinks Riley ran away. I don't want to go speculating on what anyone does or does not think. But I'm sure wherever Riley is he's very safe. Must Berlin, must Berwin. What what did you want in Berlin? Okay? I need to get the bus schedule from Gorham. Talked to Riley's parents. Hey, watch it. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. I oh it's you. What am I not allowed to buy gum? Sorry? I just I didn't see you. I noticed Hastings High Gazette, Gorham

bust schedule the Stevens. What is this? It's none of your business. You think you're going to find Riley before the sheriff and Community Watch does well? If they let everyone join Community Watch, then it wouldn't be a question of who figures it out first. Look. In four years you can graduate and become an investigator and solve all the missing cat and vandalism cases that Hastings has to offer. Aren't you worried, Jenna, Riley our friend is missing, like

actually missing missing? Yes, I know, Max, of course I'm worried. But you know what's not going to make it better trying to track Riley down to Berlin and becoming hasting second missing person in like a hundred years. I'm not stupid, Jenna, I know that. Wait, how did you know that Riley wanted to go to Berlin? I he mentioned something to me last week. I go there every two weeks for skate practice at the big rink they have, and and Riley was wondering if he could hitch a ride with me.

I told him, sure, I knew, may Or how was wrong? What are you talking about? I think he's just assuming that Riley ran away like some teenage rebellion or something. But you don't make carpool plans with someone and then just run away on your own. Yeah, except Max. He was supposed to come with me this past weekend. He bailed at the last second. Something about family drama. What kind of family drama? I don't know. I didn't pry. What about Berlin? Why did Riley want to go? I

don't know. Okay, I'm not always in everyone's business like me. You mean you said it? I wonder what's going on? Do you think he fought with his parents? I have no idea. I thought he really got along with them. Whenever we used to hang out there, they were always so I don't know, like picture perfect yeah, Well a lot of things were different in middle school. Max. Things change, Yeah, they do. I don't know if he really was fighting with his parents. Maybe he's blowing off steam somewhere. It's

only been a day. Maybe he'll just come back. Yeah, maybe, good morning. I care to explain this? What were you looking through my room? I was bringing the laundry up this morning and I found this? This? What is this? Max? It's nothing? Research note, it's nothing. Where were you yesterday? I told you to stay home? And Mr Beatty said he saw you leave and come back hours later. Why

do you have Mr Beatie checking up on me? Because the tellers get home the same time I do, and you know that Mrs Hannaman is usually half asleep by two. Someone in this neighborhood needs to be looking out for you. So where were you? I I had to go to the library. I needed to check out some books. Oh yeah, where are they in my back? You're a terrible liar, Max. You always have been fine. I was at city Hall, okay. I was totally safe and home well before the curfew,

So it's nice. What were you doing at city Hall talking to mayor how it's a school project thing? Why were you going through my stuff? I thought you trusted me. I do, maccine. That's the deal we made, right. We trust each other because we're all we've got. But that only works when you talk to me. I do talk to you, not about this. These are these are notes about Riley, about the sheriff. It seems like you interviewed every person on the school paper, and I bet that's

what you were at. How's about too, I don't see what the big deal is. I'm just asking some questions. The big deal is that you're asking questions that could get you into a lot of trouble. In trouble, how I'm not spying on people. If they don't want to talk to me, they don't have to. Did you know that a boy Riley's age died about thirty five years ago? What in in Hastings? M hm? Did you? Did you know him? No? I was barely walking when it happened.

But your dad was in elementary school and it was a very big thing at the time, one of those things we were all told about all the time growing up. What happened? They found him in the woods. Why have I never heard about this? How did he head wound? It? Was designated as an accident. He was out exploring and slipped and hit his head on a rock. That's probably why it never showed up in any of your true crime reading. But you don't think it was an accident.

That's not what I said. But it scared everyone. Those woods are dangerous and there are there are dangerous people everywhere. What are you talking about. You've lived a very sheltered life, magazine, don't give me that joke. You know that's not true. Your parents did a really good job protecting you from all the ugly stuff. Yeah, but they're not here anymore, are they? I know, But I've been doing my best. I know. I know. That's not what I'm saying. I

just mean I'm not stupid. I know that the world isn't all good all the time I've lived it. Okay, you're right, But I also know Hastings and I know Riley. He wouldn't go wandering into the woods. He's not reckless like that, and I don't think he would run away like you might feel like you know Riley, Max. But people are always who we expect them to be. And as much as I care about Riley too, and I do, my first priority is always going to be you, kiddo. Yeah,

I know. So if you want to keep notes, keep notes, okay, write down everything and anything that you think of, and make sure to tell Walt if there's anything you think of that could help, obviously, but believe it at that all right, whether Riley got lost or ran off or or something else, you don't go following him. Understood, understood. Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy work days and extra curriculars and all of the rest to help us out the assistance of our crisis volunteers.

We have completed our search of the town and most of our preliminary interviews. Riley Steven's awareabouts are still UNKNOWNE so we'll be expanding our search into the state park at this time. Grab a flashlight, the vest, and the body. Then follow your group leader into your assigned sector. I've already spoken to the folks who would have property overlapping with the park, and we're fine to go on their land, but everyone be sure to be respectful about the park.

And you got an assigned sector yet, tell her what are you doing here my civic duty? You hate town stuff. I don't know if you noticed, but This isn't some kind of hockey town clean up effort, Miles, this is actually important. Yes, thank you. I did notice that the litteral clean up is important. M all right, Alf, what are you going to be my buddy? I don't see anyone else volunteering. I was going to ask THEO Never mind, right, he's up there with his dad anyway, speaking. Oh, I'm surprised, Joe.

Let you come out. Joe doesn't know I'm here. I knew you'd be here, Max, And I'm sure Joe will figure it out, and I'm sure he'll be thrilled. I'm allowed to be here. Everyone over the age of fourteen is allowed. Maybe allowed by the sheriff, but your uncle would probably have a different perspective. Your parents don't mind you're here, I'm guessing I'm not sure they really notice where I am at any given moment. They've got a lot on their plates. Do you know where we're supposed

to be going? Yep? Northeast sector three, meaning that way right. We're supposed to sweep the sector a mile in half a mile wide and then come back again. And how on earth are we going to know when we've done that. I've spent most of the past six hours studying maps of hastings in the surrounding area. Max, We've had school all day. What's your point? Why do you care about this so much? What do you mean? I mean, you're acting like this is entirely your problem to fix. It's

not even in a problem you can fix. You don't know that what you think you're going to actually find Riley before the actual investigator Sheriff Holmes has never worked worked a missing person's case. I know, I know, but neither have you. It doesn't mean I can't try. You can't actually wish things into existence. Max. Are you not seeing me do exactly the opposite of that right now? Ross, I'm not the one who sits at home waiting for the world to get better around me. What's that supposed

to mean? Why are you here? Ross? Oh? What was that? Hello? Max? It's probably just an animal. Max. Stop it could be a dangerous animal. Well, we won't know for sure if we don't check it out, So let go of me, Maxim I really think we should turn around. You don't go back and find what find a grown up? Come on, Lass? Max? Wait Riley? Max? Riley? Oh? Maxie Miles was created by Lauren Shipman and his Production of A Typical Artists and

I Heart Radio. This episode was written and directed by Lauren Shippen, Dialogue editing and sound designed by Marrissy Eewing of Hemlock Creek Productions was editing assistance Fromlaurien Davis. It featured Jordan Cobb as Maxine Miles, Maxa Follow as Ross teller A, Shanny Cannon Car as Jenna Ambrose, Morgan el Garton sco Combs, Michael Smallwood as Uncle Joe, Sean Jayne as Sheriff Combs, and Josh you Bino as Mayor how

Original artwork by Shane McMullan. For more information about the show, Who's visit Maxie Miles dot com and follow A Typical Artists on Twitter and Instagram. Maxie Miles is executive produced by Lauren Shippen and I Heart Radio and for more podcast us from my Heart Radio, visit me I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Thank you for listening and keep curious