Pete looked almost directly at Kate, his eyes wide. “Pete will get Kate a horse.”
Chapter Eight
Kate straggled behind her parents out of the community church they’d started attending, wishing Tori had made it this morning. Kate had been thrilled when she discovered that Tori’s family attended the same service, and she’d hoped her friend might come this morning with the news that her parents had changed their minds. Tori’s father had come, but Tori and her mother hadn’t shown up.
Dad stepped up beside her. “Want to ride home with your mother or walk with me?” Her father had a thing about keeping in shape and rode his bike or ran whenever he could. She forced a smile, not wanting to hurt his feelings by refusing. “I’ll go with you if you promise not to run too fast. I’m not exactly wearing my running shoes.”
He glanced at her feet and grinned. “I don’t see how girls can walk in those stiff-soled things, but I came prepared.” He drew his hand from behind his back, and her tennis shoes dangled from the tips of his fingers. “I was hoping you’d come with me. Mom and Pete will drive home so Mom can get lunch started.”
A real smile tugged at her lips this time. Leave it to Dad to think about grabbing my shoes. “Good thing this church doesn’t mind people wearing jeans on Sunday morning. If I’d been wearing a dress, I’d have to ride home with Mom.”
He ruffled her hair, something he’d done since she was little, and she didn’t have the heart to ask him to stop now that she was a teenager. Besides, a part of her still kind of liked it. He tugged on one of her loose curls and then tucked it behind her ear. “Slip into these shoes and give your mom your good pair. Then we’ll hit the road.”
Kate did as he asked, tossing her shoes into the backseat of the car, then leaning in through the front passenger window. “Don’t eat all the food before I get home, Pete.” She tweaked his nose.
He yanked away from her touch. “Pete’s not a pig. Where’s your horse, Kate?”
She wondered why he was stuck on this new theme. Sure, she’d talked a lot about the thin mare she and Tori had discovered and fed carrots to and had even taken Pete to visit the horse one time. It had to be because he’d heard her disappointment over not getting the job at the barn.
Sometimes she thought her little brother understood a lot more than he let on about the things going on around him. He was smart in so many ways. It was just trapped and bottled up inside, and he needed help letting it out. That’s what it seemed like to her, anyway.
“No, kiddo. I don’t have a horse yet, but maybe someday. How about you keep an eye out for one you think I’d like while you’re riding in the car. Can you do that?”
Pete nodded, and then the humming started again. He slumped down in his seat, almost too short for the seat belt buckled around his thin frame.
Kate waved. “Love you, bud.”
He didn’t reply, just rocked and hummed and stared out the front window.
As the car pulled away, Kate moved back and almost bumped into her dad. She didn’t even realize her cheeks were damp until he ran a thumb down her face and wiped one away.
“It’s hard, isn’t it, honey?”
She knew what he meant without asking. “It doesn’t seem fair that he’s trapped in his own world.”
“But he’s getting better. Remember a year ago when he barely spoke?”
She nodded. “Yeah. He’s come close to looking at me a few times, and he even talks sometimes without me speaking to him first. I guess that’s an improvement.”
“It’s huge, Kate. Keep praying for him. God loves Pete even more than we do.”
Her heart jolted. She’d prayed so many times this weekend about getting her dream job and never once thought about praying for her little brother. That would change. “I will, Dad.”
They struck off across the short parking area and reached the edge of the paved road. Dad increased his pace but didn’t break into a run, and Kate was thankful. If it were up to her, she’d take her time all the way home. As much as she enjoyed spending time with her father, nothing much sounded good right now. Still, she ventured a try. “So, how’s your new job?”
“It’s a job. Not what I was hoping for, since my training is in aviation and business management, but hey, it pays the bills.”
“That’s good. I hate to see you guys worried about money.”
Little ridges formed between her dad’s eyes. “I’m sorry if your mom and I have made you worry.”
“I’m not a baby anymore, Dad. I can handle it.”
“I know you aren’t, but that’s not the point. We’re the parents, and we should keep that kind of stress away from you kids.” He took her arm and moved her farther onto the shoulder as an oversize pickup zoomed past, barely slowing or moving toward the center line. “Let’s walk for a bit. I have something to tell you. I was going to wait until we got home, but your mother said I shouldn’t.”
Kate’s mind skittered, trying to come up with whatever it might be. It didn’t sound like she was in trouble, although he looked awfully serious. “Uh, did I do something wrong?”
“Nothing like that.” He pressed his lips together. “Mom and I have been talking. We feel bad that you didn’t get to take the job when it meant so much to you. We want you to know how proud we are that you stuck by Tori and didn’t go to work without her.”
Kate gaped at him. She hadn’t said a word to either of her parents about not taking the job if Tori didn’t get permission. “Thanks, Dad. But what do you mean about sticking by Tori? Did she say something to you about it?” That would be too weird, since Tori barely knew them. Kate couldn’t imagine talking to Mr. or Mrs. Velasquez without Tori there.
“Not a thing. But like you say sometimes, we’re not completely stupid.” His huge grin took any sting from his words.
Kate laughed. “Yeah, and now that you’re saying it back to me, I might not ever say that again.”
“That works for me. Anyway, I’m guessing you could have had the job there if you wanted it, even if Tori didn’t get permission. You showed her what true friendship looks like, and we think that’s a pretty big deal. We’re not rewarding that behavior, mind you, because it’s reward enough that you did the right thing. However …”—he drew to a halt and touched her arm, bringing her to a stop beside him—“we know you’re disappointed. I called the barn and talked to Mrs. Wilder. She’s willing to hold a couple of part-time positions open for another day or two, in case. And besides that, we made arrangements with her for you to have three group lessons over the next six weeks. If Tori’s parents don’t change their minds, that is. I know it’s not the private lessons you hoped for, but right now that’s all—”
Kate threw her arms around her father. “That is so cool, Dad! Any kind of lessons will be awesome. I don’t care if they’re private. At least I’ll be on a horse.” She relaxed her hold and stepped back. “Ugh.”
“What’s wrong? I thought you were excited.”
“I am. But Mrs. Wilder told me we’d have to take our lessons on Lulu, a pony.”
“She mentioned that, but I told her you’d taken some lessons in Spokane. She said she’d only have you ride Lulu one or two times to judge your riding ability. Then, if you show you know what you’re doing, she’ll move you to one of the full-size horses.”
Kate closed her eyes as happiness washed over her. “Nice. You and Mom are the best parents in the world.”
He laughed and grabbed her hand, pulling her along beside him as he broke into a slow jog. “You think that now, but I hope you’ll remember that the next time you get mad about something.”
Kate huffed. “Whatever, Dad. But seriously, I appreciate it. I just wish Tori could come with me. It’s so much more fun with a friend, and she’s never even ridden a horse. I don’t understand why her mom is so freaked about it. Can we go a little slower?”
D
ad shortened his stride. “Has Tori asked her why? Maybe she has a good reason.”
“I don’t know. I suppose she could, but it seems weird to me. It’s not like we’re working at a rodeo and we’re going to be riding wild horses or anything.”
They finished the last ten-minute stretch in silence, but Kate didn’t mind. It gave her time to think about what her father had said. It never occurred to her that Mrs. Velasquez might have a real reason for being afraid. Maybe she’d ask Tori the next time they talked. Kate and her dad walked the last couple of minutes and arrived at their front yard a half hour or so from when they’d left the church.
Dad opened the door and waited for her to enter. Then he followed her across the threshold, calling, “Anybody home? Where’s my favorite wife and son?”
Kate giggled. “Dad, you only have one wife and son.”
“And a good thing, or your mother would probably shoot me.” He bumped her shoulder with his. “Something smells good in the kitchen. Let’s go see what Mom has for lunch.”
Kate traipsed behind her father, passing the comfortable living area and stopping in the doorway to the kitchen. “I’m starving.”
Dad placed a hand on her shoulder. “Me too. Mmm … tacos. Want us to set the table, Nan?”
“Sure. Maybe Kate can get Pete. He’s been in his room playing since we got home. Ask him to wash up and come eat.”
Kate took the stairs two at a time but slowed as she neared Pete’s door. No need to startle him. She turned the knob and stepped into his neat room. No toys on the floor, the bed made. It always amazed her how much her little brother loved order. He couldn’t stand having anything out of place. No Pete in sight. Must be in the bathroom.
She headed down the hall and paused outside the closed door, rapping on it twice. “Hey, Pete, lunch is ready. It’s your favorite, tacos.”
No response.
Kate waited, counting to ten, then tapped again. “Come on, Pete. We’re hungry.”
Still no answer.
This had happened before. Pete had locked himself in the bathroom and wouldn’t reply or come out. She stepped to the top of the landing and leaned over. “Mom? Pete’s in the bathroom and won’t answer me.”
Footfalls sounded on the bottom step, and Dad appeared in the stairwell. “I’ll get him. You go down and help your mother finish up.”
Kate passed him in the hall and bolted down the stairs, her stomach reminding her that it had been hours since breakfast.
Two minutes passed without her dad or Pete coming down. Kate looked at her mom. “What’s up with Pete? It’s not like him to not want to come eat lunch.”
Mom shrugged. “I’m not sure. He’s always quiet, but the last couple of days, it seems like he’s been more bothered than normal.”
Feet thudded on the floor above them. “Nan! Pete’s not here!”
Chapter Nine
Kate stared at her mother, who’d stopped pouring the home-canned salsa into a bowl. “What’s going on? Where’s Pete?”
Her dad entered the room and echoed the question.
“Did you check our bedroom?” Mom’s lips pinched together. “He may have gone to get the book we were reading together and fallen asleep on our bed.”
Dad pivoted and headed toward the hall. “You’re probably right.”
Kate leaned her elbow on the countertop. “I hope they hurry. I’m starved.”
Dad appeared in the doorway again, his brows drawn in worry. “He’s not there, Nan. And I checked the downstairs bathroom too. Do you think he went to the backyard or the barn?”
Mom looked out the window. “It’s possible, but he would have taken Rufus, and the dog’s asleep on the porch. I don’t like this, John.” She grabbed her jacket and opened the front door. “Pete? Where are you?”
Dad followed her, with Kate on his heels.
Kate’s stomach twisted into a knot, all thought of food forgotten. She shoved her hands into the arms of the coat she’d removed only minutes earlier. Pete was probably hiding in the barn or yard, but something didn’t feel right. He hadn’t done anything like this in a couple of years. “Rufus, come on, boy. Let’s go find Pete. Dad, I’m going to check the barn. He might be playing in there.”
“Good idea. His coat wasn’t on the hook, so if he’s outside, at least he won’t be cold.”
Kate jogged across the open area between the house and the barn, and Rufus loped along beside her. The people door to the side of the big main doors that led into the arena stood open. Her shoulders slumped in relief. Her little brother had to be inside.
She stepped into the dim interior and allowed her eyes to adjust. “Pete? Are you in here, buddy? Tell Kate where you are, okay?” More than likely he wouldn’t reply, but she kept calling just the same. “Pete! Quit hiding now and come out. Mom made tacos for lunch.”
She poked her head into the first stall, with no results. As she continued on down the aisle running in front of the stalls and checked each one, worry set in again, big-time. No brown-haired brother looked up from whatever might have drawn him here. “Rufus, find Pete. Where’s Pete, Rufus?”
The dog nosed around and whined, then gazed up at her, tail wagging. Kate closed the final stall door and headed to the steps leading into the loft where hay used to be kept. Maybe Pete had fallen asleep in some of the old straw still scattered on the floor upstairs. She thought for sure Mom and Dad would have hollered by now, letting her know they’d found him.
The big outside door into the arena rolled open a little, and Dad poked his head in. “You find him yet?” Worry clouded his words. “He’s not in the yard anywhere, and we went through the house again. Nothing.”
Kate bolted up the wood stairs toward the loft. “No. I’ve checked all the stalls and the tack room. It will only take me a couple minutes to search the loft.” She heard Dad thudding up the steps behind her, but she kept going, hitting the top one and launching herself across the floor, fear hot on her heels. Where was her brother hiding? They’d searched everywhere, with no sign of him.
“He’s not here, Dad.”
“Are you sure?” Dad strode across the straw-littered floor and headed toward a dark corner. “Pete? Answer me, Son.” He stooped and peered into the dim corner. “You’re right.”
“Where is he, Dad? What’s happened to Pete?” Her voice choked on the last word, and her heart pounded, ready to explode.
Kate, her mother, and her father stood outside the barn door. Her normally calm mom was shaking, and her face was white. Dad didn’t look much better, and Kate felt like she might hurl. Pete had never left their yard alone and rarely even went outside without one of his family members or Rufus along. “What do we do next, Dad?”
“I think I’d better call the sheriff.”
Mom nodded. “Good idea. It won’t be dark for hours, but he’s only six. I’m so—” She glanced at Kate and stopped.
Kate stared at her. “It’s okay, Mom. I’m scared too. This is awful. I’m going to call Tori and ask her to keep an eye out. Pete walked over there with me once, and he might have decided to go visit on his own.”
Mom blinked a couple of times as though trying to gather her thoughts. “That can’t hurt. I’ll call the pastor and ask if he can get some of the people from church to start searching or to keep an eye out. I’ll use my cell, Dad can use his, and you use the landline, Kate.”
Kate hurried into the living room and snatched the phone with trembling hands. “Oh, God, please take care of Pete.” She whispered the words, almost afraid to admit out loud that anything could happen to her sweet little brother. Sure, like any brother, he was annoying at times, but she loved him a lot. No way did she want him hurt or lost or scared. If someone found him, he wouldn’t even be able to give them his address or explain where he lived. She punched in Tori’s number and waited. One ring. Two. Three. Four. Hurry up and answ
er!
“Hello?”
“Tori, I’m so glad I got you. Pete’s missing. He took off by himself while Mom was fixing lunch. She thought he was upstairs playing in his room, but he’s gone. Can you please keep watch around your house and let us know if he comes by?”
Tori gasped. “Hold on.” Her muffled voice sounded in the background for a minute. Then she came back on the line. “Mom’s here. She’s going to start walking toward your house, and I’m coming with her. We’ll have Mom’s cell phone. You have the number, right?”
“Right.”
Kate’s mother stepped into the room. “Has Tori seen any sign of him, Kate?”
“Hold on, Tori.” She repeated what Tori had said to her mother.
“Tell her we’ll walk toward their house. We can cover the distance between us much faster that way. I’ll have my cell, and anyone who spots Pete should call the other. Got that?”
Kate dipped her head and passed the information to her friend, then hung up. “They’re getting coats and heading out right now. How about Dad?”
He appeared in the doorway beside Kate’s mom. “I’ll wait here for the sheriff. He and I are going to cruise the neighborhood. You guys take off, and call me if you find anything.”
Kate and her mother raced across the front porch and down the path. Then her mom inhaled and slowed. Kate grabbed her hand. “Hey, let’s hurry up.”
“We need to take it slow. He could be hiding anywhere or have fallen and hurt himself. If we run, we could miss him.”
As much as Kate wanted to argue, she understood. She hated the thought of moving like a slug when all she wanted to do was run, call Pete’s name, and find him, but she did as her mother suggested. “Okay, fine. But let’s holler for him. Maybe he’ll hear us and come out of hiding if he’s along the road and scared.”
A Horse for Kate (Horses and Friends Book 1) Page 5