The Night She Disappeared

The narrative opens in the perspective of Drew Lyle, who is working a Wednesday-night shift at Pete’s Pizza. He and his coworker Kayla Cutler are the only employees on shift. Drew picks up a call from a man who identifies himself as “John Robertson” and orders three large meat-lover’s pizzas. He asks if the girl in the Mini Cooper is making deliveries that night. He’s referring to Gabie Klug, another Pete’s Pizza employee; all three attend Wilson High School together. Gabie usually works Wednesdays but has switched shifts with Kayla so that Kayla can take Friday off. Drew deflects the man’s question. As he and Kayla prepare Robertson’s pizzas, their hands accidentally brush. Drew laments that he may have been “the last friendly, normal person to touch her” (9).

The chapter concludes with a transcript of Drew calling 911, reporting that Kayla left hours ago to deliver the pizzas and hasn’t returned. The police dispatch an officer to Pete’s Pizza.

The narrative shifts to Gabie’s perspective. Before the school day starts on Thursday, Drew approaches her to tell her that Kayla has gone missing.