>> reporter: or even what his last name was? >> unh-uh. i didn't know how to start looking for her. >> reporter: so what is that like? >> it's hell. it's just-- frustration and just helplessness. >> reporter: so, before dropping off max at the wedding, she called the county sheriff's office to file a missing persons report. >> they took down all the information, of course. and they couldn't-- they didn't really offer too much. >> reporter: well, i guess they thought, "well, she's a grown woman, she can--" >> yeah. >> reporter: leave if she wants to leave? >> right. >> reporter: nancy told the deputies about cari's struggles with bipolar disorder. and here's what they told her, said nancy. >> "well, she's probably off her medicine. and, you know, these things happen. and so there's-- that happens a lot. >> reporter: nancy tried calling. but cari just wouldn't pick up. she did respond to texts, but sent mixed messages. >> "i'm moving down with this dave." i had no idea who this dave was. >> reporter: it was confusing.