It was already nightfall, but my daughter still hadnt come home. An hour later, she called me in tears, begging me to come and get her. My ex-wife and I drove straight to the address she gave.
This all happened to my daughter when she was in her fifth year of secondary school. I had started to notice odd behaviour in her, not at all like her usual self. It all began when, one day, she was hours late returning home from school. I tried phoning, but she didnt pick up. After waiting over an hour, my worry grew, so I contacted her form tutor. The teacher told me shed set off directly after classes. My mind raced with panic and all sorts of worrying thoughts. Charlotte walked through the door late that night.
Why didnt you answer your phone? Where have you been? I started questioning straight away.
My daughter just signalled for me not to fuss. Dad, please dont be angry. I was out in town with mates and my phone died. Sorry, I forgot to let you know.
As she took off her coat, I noticed she was wearing a brand new designer top and a pair of sparkling earrings.
Charlotte, where did you get those? I asked.
A friend gave them to me.
What friend?
Oh, come on, Dad, Im knackered. Its just a mate, you dont know him. Ill introduce you some time. She dashed off to her room and shut the door.
I was seriously alarmed, but decided it was best not to press her that night. Id speak to her in the morning. But the next morning she hurried out the door before I had the chance to talk. It seemed pretty clear she wasnt keen on conversation. That day, again she was late getting back and didnt respond to my calls. As evening drew in, my worry reached new heights. Suddenly, my phone rang.
Dad, please, come get me! my daughter sobbed down the line. She managed to give me an address, then the call cut off. My heart was thumping in my chest. With trembling fingers, I dialled my ex-wife, though I usually avoided contact unless absolutely necessary. She was there quickly, brought a few mates along for support. We all drove to the address my daughter had given.
It turned out to be a massive house with music blaring from inside. My ex-wife and her friends went in, and minutes later came out with Charlotte, who was in tears. Apparently, some bloke shed just met had given her some expensive gifts, promising to show her how to make a decent bit of money. To find out exactly what, hed invited her to this party. But once there, she discovered his offer was something highly inappropriate. She quickly realised shed made a huge mistake.
I stroked Charlottes hair, holding her close. Oh, my daft girl, theres no such thing as a free lunchyou only find that in a mouse trap, I told her as I tried to reassure her.
