1420135090 (R) by Janet Dailey

Author:Janet Dailey [Dailey, Janet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 2015-08-13T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Shane had settled down with a cold beer to watch the evening news when the phone rang. He was surprised to see Kylie’s name on the caller ID display. Earlier that day, she’d behaved as if she never wanted to talk to him again.

“What’s up, Kylie?” He tried to sound casual.

“It’s Hunter.” He could hear the strain in her voice. “He’s missing. We’ve looked everywhere for him, even in the sheds and in Henry’s trailer. Could he be at your place?”

“I haven’t seen him. Have you tried calling his cell phone?”

“I took his phone away to punish him. He doesn’t have it.”

Shane took a breath to weigh what he’d heard. He’d only meant to be kind, befriending Kylie’s son. But if he’d left well enough alone, the boy might not be missing now. “I’ll take a look around and call you back,” he said, rising. “Okay?”

“Yes. Thanks.” She drew a ragged breath. “I don’t know how long he’s been gone. He was upset when I sent him to his room this afternoon, but we didn’t realize he’d left until dinnertime. Shane, it’s so cold out there, and Hunter’s a California boy. He doesn’t understand the danger. If he’s in trouble somewhere, he could freeze.”

“I’ll check the barn. He liked the pups I have out there. Maybe he’s with them. Hang on, I’ll call you back.”

Flinging on his sheepskin coat and grabbing a flashlight, he strode outside. It was almost five miles from Muriel’s to his place. Men and animals had been known to die from the brutal cold that followed a blue norther. If Kylie’s son had made it to the barn, he’d likely be all right. But if he’d fallen down on the way or stopped to rest . . .

Shane didn’t want to finish the thought. Hunter had to be found before it was too late.

It was dark by now. Through the trees, a paper-thin crescent moon etched patterns of light and shadow across the snow. Shane followed the shoveled path to the barn. He found the animals undisturbed, with no sign of the boy anywhere.

Back inside the house, he called Kylie again. “He’s not here. Stay put. I’m heading to your place in the truck. I’ll take it slow and check both sides of the road. If he’s out there, I’ll find him.”

“Thanks.” She paused, her breathing sharp and shallow over the phone. “I’m worried sick. Hunter’s never done anything like this.”

“We’ll find him, Kylie. If he shows up, call my cell. I’ll do the same for you.” Shane ended the call, got his keys from the house, and then started the pickup. The moon didn’t give much light, but the snow was diamond white. If Hunter was anywhere near the road, it shouldn’t be too hard to spot him.

He drove less than fifteen miles an hour, his eyes scanning the white road ahead and the snowy landscape on either side. He could imagine what Kylie must be feeling. She’d already lost her husband. To lose her son, too, would be unthinkable.

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