The Lost Son

By James Ungurait

A mysterious discovery awaits in The Lost Son, an exciting debut novel. When Phoenix discovers his mother has gone missing, his life is thrown into chaos as he's forced to confront his innermost fears and a dark secret hidden beneath the University.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ungurait House
• Release date: Apr 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9780578354521

Book preview

To Addison, Beth, Blair, Emma, and Lizzy. For experiencing this adventure first.

Chapter 1

I wanted to stop, wanted to quit, wanted it all to end. Yet I had to press forward, because I couldn't fail. I had to succeed, to keep moving. Nothing else mattered. Not the sauna-like heat that tried to suffocate my every breath. Not all the aches that pulsated through my legs and thighs. I couldn't focus on it; I had to keep it in front of me as the surrounding landscape turned into a blur of green and browns. A collage of the trees blending as I raced past them. I forced the thought of it out, the thought of stopping. Must keep moving. That was what I told myself. It was the only way I felt I could survive.

The shade cast from the canopy above gave the slightest relief from the scorching sun. Without it, I would be at the mercy of the Mississippi heat that clung to the air. My skin soaked as my shirt stuck to it. Making every step harder. It took all the willpower I could muster to finish. I could even hear my mother. Like a whisper in my mind. Only a little further, Phoenix. She pushed me to be better. Encouraged me to be the absolute best that I could be. The worse part: I failed, and she didn’t even know.

Ahead of me stood a break in the tree cover, and as the light grew brighter, I pushed harder for this last leg. On my approach, the trees opened to reveal a vast clearing. They lifted to the bright blue southern sky as the morning light shined down upon the ground. With the tall pines in the distance standing tall, their shades of green forming a barrier to the sky. People walked around me. Some made their way into the rec building, while others walked their dogs. It was a popular spot in Oxford, with the campus fitness center and trails that weaved through the hills and trees. It was a perfect place for a quick walk or run.

I stopped as I came to the end of the trail, and relief washed over me. I finished and didn't fail, so I allowed myself a moment to crouch and catch my breath. As I did, I looked at my watch and grinned. I beat my best time and was proud of the progress I had made over these last few months. Now all I had to do was get ready for my class. I didn’t think my professor would appreciate me walking in ripe from my morning run. Thankfully, the house was close, and I could change and wash the sweat away. Sparing everyone from the sight of me like this.

Ten minutes later, I was in front of my house on Broadview Lane. It was built in a French style with one story and tall pointed roof. The façade was a mixture of white siding and reddish brick. Considering what most college students lived in, it was nice. There were three bedrooms, one belonging to my roommate the other used for guests. We never really had guests over, so most of the time the room stayed empty. Except when my roommate's parents would come for game days. However, recently they had stayed down in Madison, forgoing their game-day trips to Oxford.

I was welcomed by a cold rush of air that embraced me. It reminded me that I was ready for the crisp autumn breeze to arrive. Yet I knew I still had to wait for it to begin its descent south. Hoping for the moment where I could break out a sweater. However, there were at least two more months of these temperatures left. Great, I just had to suffer through this sauna. Granted, I would welcome the heat once I got tired of the cold.

Fresh towel and cloths in hand, I was ready to wash the sweat away. Wash everything away. Every thought that tried to surface would just sweep away. So that I could start fresh as the water fell across my skin, crisp and brisk, rejuvenating me from the brink of exhaustion. The water stopped, and I used the towel to take the last droplets off before wrapping it around my waist on my way to the vanity.

Looking back was someone changed. At one point I had hated the person that I was, but now I just tolerated him. Back then, I was thin and shy, not comfortable with myself. As I looked in the mirror, I had more muscle from years of training, complemented by my light olive skin. My lush brown hair was more trimmed and kept up than it would have been those many years ago. The one feature that was the same, the one that I had always loved, was my brilliant silver eyes. It was progress. At the time, I still felt like I was far from my goal. I just needed to keep going.

Phoenix, you done yet? my roommate Lucas yelled from the other side of the door.

Almost, I said as I finished dressing and tidied my hair.

As I opened the door, Lucas was standing there in a towel. His brownish hair was messy from sleep. He looked at me with complete annoyance. Although Lucas was a few inches shorter than me, he could still push me around when he wanted to.

It's about time, Lucas grumbled as he pushed past me.

Good morning to you too. The door slammed behind me. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

I could have said that Lucas and I had a complicated relationship, since we were roommates out of necessity. Lucas needed a roommate, and I needed a place to live. Granted, we did occasionally have an interesting conversation and workout together. He was about as stereotypical a frat guy as you could get, but there was another side of him. One that I sensed no one saw. If that was the case, I knew how he felt. It was like an endless facade, not revealing what lay within. Keeping it up was exhausting, and eventually, it would break.

I gathered my books and supplies for the day. It was going to be a long one, with three classes and a paper due. Thankfully, I had finished the paper and just needed to turn it in. It took most of the night trying to translate Latin so that I could write about the inscription that was given for the assignment. Benefits of studying archaeology and history of ancient cultures, but I found it interesting how ancient cultures built their civilization and the advancements that they made. Once I was ready, I braced myself and stepped out into the early September heat.

The town of Oxford, Mississippi, was beautiful, with the rolling hills covered in tall oaks and pines creating an old village feel with historic homes. It was very much a southern town, since it had a way of growing on you. Its historic square was filled with shops and restaurants, which were an excellent stop for dinner or the occasional lunch. Not to mention the laid-back feel and proper attitudes sometimes. Oxford was also home to The University of Mississippi, where I currently attend. It was a little odd for me to choose this school when I could have attended the one at which my parents were professors, The University of Memphis. Still, I guess it was a way of branching out and leaving my hometown of Germantown for a bit. Even if I was only an hour away, it supplied some space. Space that I needed.

Our home was only a few blocks away from campus. Nestled between the university and the square. It was quaint and cozy and worked for two college students. It made it easy to walk to campus. My commute was along University Avenue, which was tree-lined, creating vast pockets of shade shielding me from the sun. My first class of the day was Latin, and while I did enjoy the subject, I had no desire to be here today. I would much rather be lying down and resting, yet here I was walking so that I wouldn't be late.

Once past the gates, I passed by the performing arts center, and I found myself walking next to the grove. A park of trees that made for a great escape to study under, or, if it were a game day, you would find thousands tailgating. I usually tried to avoid game day; it was something that never really interested me. Too many people and a lot of opinions that I wished never to hear.

Just a few more steps and I found myself in front of Bryant Hall, ready to start my day. The soft brownstone of its walls contrasted with columns that framed dark doors. Bryant Hall housed the departments of philosophy and classics. In the main lobby sat a globe surrounded by walls that dripped a complacent shade of yellow. Meandering through the halls and stagnating in offices were people who studied things that were long dead or thought endlessly about the world around them.

Mr. Knight, my professor said as I walked past her office.

Yes, Dr. Dawson. I stopped at her door. Dr. Dawson was my professor for my archaeological theories class. Although she was sweet, she was also one of the hardest professors on this campus. She was dark-skinned, and her hair had specks of gray. She would always say it was her experience shining through.

Your paper on the theories of conservation of dig sites. I would love to see more of this throughout the year.

I was glad she liked it; it had taken a lot of effort and revision to finish that paper. I was lucky that I could use the help from my parents, since they both worked in the field.

Thanks, I’ll try. I nodded and headed towards my classroom.

My Latin class felt endless, but I managed to get through it. They were a few moments where I could have easily drifted into sleep. Thankfully, I kept myself awake to avoid the embarrassment. Once class was over, I gathered my things so I could make it to my next class, which was across campus in the history building. However, trying to make it through the crowd of students pouring out of the door could make that exceedingly difficult. Not to mention I hated being late to anything, including class.

Phoenix. Lucas stopped me as I was finally able to walk out of the building.

What's up?

We're hosting a party at the house if you want to come tonight. Around him was a group of his fraternity brothers. This was Lucas during the school day; he would always spend time together with his brothers. Yet it seemed like after school, he was never around them unless there was something like this.

Sure, I might stop by, I said. Not like I was doing anything else. What did I have to lose? If I got uncomfortable, all I had to do was leave. Which was exactly what would happen. I would show up just enough for people to see my face, then retreat to my books and covers.

Starts at seven. See you there. Before walking on to class, one of his brothers nodded to me. The one benefit of rooming with a frat guy was the fact that I was never really bothered by any of them. To me, it always seemed they had a little respect for me, and I never really understood why. I hoped they didn’t try to get me to rush; I didn’t have the time for a fraternity.

From where I stood stretched the circle that encompassed some of the main buildings on campus. The Lyceum stood at the edge, with its towering white columns and red brick. Its grand stature was projected across the grounds. While walking past, I noticed a red-headed girl in the distance. I had that weird feeling of I should know this person, but there was no way she would be down here. To be honest, why would she even want to be around me?

It can't be.

Just as I noticed her, she was gone, and I made my way to class so I would not be late.

If there was one thing that I could give the university, it was its beauty. Most of the buildings were surrounded by trees. Granted, some things were less than ideal. Like how many of the older buildings were built by slave labor and how the university still struggled with racial issues. However, I did think there were things that did help, and there was a lot of good on campus.



Paragraph Squiggle with solid fill

My classes were thankfully done for the day, so I was just reading one of my many history books for the semester. This one happened to be about the political system of the Roman Empire. It had rained a little in the late afternoon once I was back home from my classes. I could still smell it in the air, floating in the breeze. After finishing a chapter, I looked at the clock. It was six-thirty; I’d better get moving. I did say I would attend. I decided to change into something more appropriate for the event, rather than showing up in what I was lounging around the house in.

You could tell there was a party going on in the house. If the multi-colored lights pouring through the window didn't give it away, then the loud, beating music did. I found it strange that noise complaints were never filed, but if your neighbors are all fraternity houses, then I guess there is a mutual understanding.

Name, the boy said, staring down at his clipboard. He was dressed in a simple hoodie and jeans. From my perspective, he must have gotten the short end of the stick, being the gatekeeper. I stayed silent and waited for him to look up. You could at least pay attention to the person standing in front of you.

Name, he said again, frustrated, but finally looking up.

Oh, sorry, go on in, he said, recognizing me. It was a nice perk even if this was not my usual scene. Chaos was the right word to describe this. People were everywhere, drinking, doing things I'm not explaining, and the music was pounding. Almost to point of impairing hearing. It was a typical house party in Oxford, I presumed.

PHOENIX, Lucas shouted across the room. He had a red solo cup in his hands. I tried making my way through the crowd, having to push people out of my way slightly. Most didn't notice, either too intoxicated or not paying any attention.

Glad you could make it. He tried to speak over the loud music and people around us.

It's a little loud, don't you think? I hoped he could hear me. He handed me a drink. It was only water, but no one would question it if I had something in my hands. Lucas gestured for us to make it outside.

The night was still humid, but nowhere near the heat of midday. The sky was clear and bright; the stars shined down, creating brilliant constellations. I remembered lying in the backyard with my mother as we would try to guess all the constellations we could see. My father would always wonder why we spent so many nights lying on our backs, glancing at the stars. It was a found memory; it was one of the moments when my mother was home. She would always leave for research trips, normally a couple days or a week. Then she would come back and watch the stars with me.

When I was older, she would take me to some of the less remote places. She was the reason I love history; she was the reason for everything, really.

See anything interesting? Lucas glanced over at me while I was staring up.

Just the stars. I kept my gaze on them. Even with the faint lights of Oxford clouding a few, I could still make some of them out. The best part was how they didn’t judge you.

Seriously, thanks for coming, he said.

Can I ask you something?

Lucas took a second, then nodded.

What are you hiding from? You're not yourself around them, I asked knowing very well this was going to make him uncomfortable, but he always seems different around his brothers. I just want to understand why. Maybe a part of me wondered for a selfish reason. So that I wouldn't feel like I was the only person broken.

Nothing, he said, shifting his eyes down. I was not satisfied, and I knew he was hiding something, but I did not press it further. I feared I would just push him away.

You know if you do want to talk about it, I’m here, I told him.

Thanks, he said, taking a big gulp of his drink. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her again. The red hair shining in the moonlight. She was wearing a black hoodie, which seemed a bit suspicious. What was she looking at?

It can't be. I can't know this girl.

What is it? Lucas said, noticing my attention was elsewhere.

Look, I said, pointing to the girl that was next to a tree in the distance.

Who is that? he asked, and I shook my head, not knowing the answer. There was something about her that I couldn't put my finger on. She moved slowly, as if she were following someone. Trying to conceal her steps. Her only mistake was not watching behind her.

Hey, hate to do this, but I am going to skip out, I said, wanting to follow her. I had to know.

It can't be her.

Oh no you don't, not without me, Lucas replied, placing his drink on the table next to us.

Fine, but come on, I said, walking back into the party to make my way to the door. Lucas was not far behind me, and soon we were again outside, this time facing fraternity row. I looked around, hoping to spot this red-headed girl, I noticed her as she was making her way towards Paris Yates Chapel and the quad.

Are we going to follow her? Lucas asked. I nodded. You know how that looks, right?

I know, but something's up, and I can't explain it. He grunted in disagreement, but we followed her. If anyone asked, we could just say we wanted to make sure she got home okay from the party. At least that was my thinking. To be honest, I didn't care what people were thinking. I just wanted to know why this was bugging me so much. Walking in silence, we made our way past Bishop Hall and into the quad. The only sounds were that of the water rushing down the fountain and the faint buzz of the surrounding crickets. We spotted her again, this time across the quad near the library, heading towards the circle.

It didn't take long before we made it to the spot where she had been. She moved a little closer, looking towards the Lyceum, and that when we noticed what she was looking at. Entering the building were four figures clouded in black hoods from head to toe, covering every feature of their faces. They walked right up the steps with the white columns towering above them.

What the hell, Lucas whispered as we bent down next to some bushes. It was strange and unsettling. These people crowding together with their faces hidden. The girl was standing only a couple of hundred feet ahead.

Who's there? the girl said in a strangely familiar English accent as she turned towards us. We tried to remain hidden, but it was already too late; we were caught.

I see you. Who are you? she said again with a little more force. I greeted this person, hoping to find the answer to who she was. Now facing her, I recognized why the accent was so familiar and why I had been so interested in her from the start.

Evelyn? I asked. I did know her.

How–

Why now–

How do you... she cut herself off before her face went blank with confusion.

Phoenix?

Chapter 2

You two know each other? Lucas asked.

Standing in front of me was someone I had not expected to see ever again. Evelyn was about five-foot-five with reddish-brown hair and fair skin. She was from London and moved here to the States to work on her graduate degree. She was strikingly beautiful and a brilliant historian in her own regard. Let alone the fierce independence and stubbornness I had come to know.

You could say that, Evelyn said as she moved closer. What are you doing here?

I go to school here–remember? I reminded her, surprised she had missed that detail. She never missed any details. Yet as we stood under the faint glow of the lamp, I could see that she had. Even if it was only for a moment.

Oh, I forgot about that, she said as I rolled my eyes, hoping she wouldn't see it. Then again, she would forget it ever happened.

Okay, how do you two know each other? Lucas asked. I looked to Evelyn, hoping she would explain. She was the one who had just showed up out of nowhere.

I'm his mother's graduate assistant, she said. She had left out something, but now it didn’t matter. It would just satisfy the itch that I could see building inside Lucas. No need to explain the past yet.

What are you doing here? Why was she down here in Oxford rather than in Memphis with my mother?

When is the last time you heard from your mother? It was the sort of question that caught me off guard. Where was she going with this?

Probably a month ago. I knew she was busy with research for her new book. It was typical sometimes not to hear from her. Granted, it always coincided with a research trip. A month was long, but the longest was two. I remembered my dad always looking at the door as he awaited her return. When she finally did, she mentioned how their boat was stranded, which was the cause for her delay.

A week ago, she told me she was heading down here to see you, she said. There was a stillness in how she stood. Like she knew the weight it held.

What?

She never came? she questioned me. Yet the question made no sense. Why would I lie? Why would I not tell her about it? Of course, she never came.

No, I would know if my own mother came to see me, I shot back at her. The light from the lamppost nearby showed the sternness in her posture. She was being deadly serious.

Then where is she? She was calm, and it sank in a little. That was the real question. If she was not with me, or at home… Then where was my mother?

That can't be true. I tried to keep myself calm and collected. Not to overthink this. There had to be a reason. Maybe she just lied to Evelyn. But why would she? She was keen on telling the truth even when it hurt.

Shh.... Her voice was low, and she pointed towards the building again. More people were walking in, all with black hoods covering their faces. This was going to have to wait.

"We need to figure out what is going on. Your mother mentioned something to me before she left about