Chapter 869

chapter869

He couldn't possibly take that risk.

"So, the more I think about it, the more I feel like something is wrong," Mamie said.

Roseanne's expression turned grim after hearing her out. "... You're right, something is definitely wrong."

Mamie continued, I heard from a senior grad student that Carlson Smith's parents aren't in good health and are often sick. Do you think that's why he hasn't returned to campus?"

Scales analyzed the situation calmly. "Their poor health isn't a recent development. Carlson never let it affect his studies before, so it's unlikely to be the reason now, unless there's been some other kind of emergency."

"Like what?"

"Well, for example, his parents' health could have suddenly worsened, to the point where they can't be left alone. Or maybe the family has run into some other kind of trouble, and he can't get away."

But if it's just an emergency with Carlson's family, how do you explain Arkle not being back either?" Roseanne pointed out.

"Well..."

"There's no point in us just guessing, Roseanne said decisively. "We have to find a way to contact Carlson."

Over the next few days, the three of them tried everything-phone calls, emails, private messages, and comments on his social media pages. But every message they sent was met with complete silence, like a stone dropped into the ocean.

"So what do we do now?"

Two weeks had passed since the semester started. Fortunately, Roseanne had taken the initiative to explain the situation to their professor, Madeleine, who then spoke to the university administration, preventing any disciplinary action against the two missing students. But the university wouldn't let them stay away indefinitely.

Madeleine had told them, "Three weeks is the absolute most I can get you."

"Two weeks are already gone, which leaves only seven days. What are we going to do?" Mamie paced anxiously around the lab. "If they don't come back on time... the school won't actually expel them, will they?"

It was hard to say for sure.

"So we're just supposed to wait? There's nothing else we can do?"

"We've done everything we can," Scales said. "The rest... is out of our hands."

But... but... Roseanne, what do you think?"

Roseanne mulled it over for a moment. "Let's see if we can find Carlson's exact home address."

"His address?" Mamie was stunned "Roseanne, you're not thinking of going all the way to his hometown, are you?"

"We need to find out what's going on. One trip should clear everything up."

"Then I'm going too!" Mamie declared.

"It's not safe for two women to go alone. Count me in," Scales added.

"You?" Mamie looked him up and down. "Are you a good fighter?"

Scales was speechless. Why did she make it sound like they were a gang heading out for a turf war?

"...I don't think fighting will be necessary," he said lamely.

Without wasting another moment, the three of them split up to put their plan into action. Roseanne went to Madeleine, asking her to use her facult privileges to pull up Carlson's student records. Mamie started asking around with senior students who knew Carlson well, hoping to get his specific address. Meanwhile, Scales pulled a few strings with contact at the registrar's office to look at Carlson's official file, which was guaranteed to have his address.

After a busy afternoon, they met up, and each had made some progress.

Roseanne started. "...The home

address Carlson filled out on his

Sis incomplete. It just sanet

Mamie immediately nodded. "Yes, yes! That's the same information I got from the other students!"

They both turned to look at Scales.

"Caley, is the address you found complete?" Mamie asked, her eyes full of hope.

Under their intense gazes, Scales slowly nodded. "It is."

Both of them lit up.

"Maple Town, Springfield," Scales announced.