"It's being called the Tempe Beach Protest," the Telemundo anchor reported. "Now going into its fourth week, the police-free Temp Beach Occupation Zone has seen an escalating level of violence as Donald Trump's inauguration nears."
The camera cut away to what were, by now, familiar scenes of protesters living in a hodgepodge assortment of tents and tarps, preparing food, and distributing medical supplies. There was a relentless noise of chanting, drumming, and activist speeches delivered through loudspeakers, all against a backdrop of garbage, graffiti, and free-form exhibits of politically inspired art.
The camera cut again to a local reporter, "Thanks, Fabian. For several days, city officials and police have engaged in negotiations with protesters, discussing issues such as the dismantling of barricades and the return of police presence to the area."
Maria began weeping. I think she cries every day now, Juan thought.
"The Tempe Beach location is of strategic importance due to the proximity of the Tempe Bridge, Mill Avenue Bridge, and Tempe Town Lake Railroad Bridge, which all cross the nearby Salt River. These bridges have been blocked for weeks, disrupting traffic to key locations in the city, including Sky Harbor Airport, ASU, and the state Capitol."
"Please call her again," Maria begged.
Juan's head hung as he shrugged his shoulders. "I've tried, but she said her battery was getting low last week. I don't think she's getting my calls now."
"Something's happening behind me, Fabian!" The reporter scrambled with his cameraman to get a better shot. "It appears that a large number of military-looking vehicles are arriving on the scene. They are following what looks to be a bulldozer heading for the bridge."
Maria screamed.
"I'm going down there!" Juan cried, swiping his pickup keys as he headed for the door. “She's in trouble.”
"I'm coming with you," Maria hurried to collect her purse.
"No," Juan barked. Then, seeing the worry and hurt in his wife's eyes, he said more gently, "Sofia might already be on her way back here. I don't know how I'm going to find her. If she comes home first, you need to call me, OK?"
How Will Juan Find Sofia?
Choose Option 1: Call Her Friends
Choose Option 2: Look for Her Car