by Ronica Black
*
“I don’t know where he is!” Krista paced back and forth across the living room, Jagger chasing her. “He was here one minute and gone the next.”
Dwight cleared his throat and rubbed his stubble. He’d just come in from searching the property. He didn’t have good news. “His truck’s gone.”
Krista stopped and stared at him. “What truck?”
“His old Chevy.”
“You mean it still runs?”
Sonja shook her head. “Oh, Lord.”
“He hasn’t driven it in a long time, maybe over a year, but yeah, it still runs.”
“Where was it?” Krista asked. “I don’t remember even seeing it.”
“It was in the old barn.”
“Why weren’t the keys hidden?”
“Judith had them hidden somewhere and I’d loosened the battery cable, thinking he wouldn’t mess with it to begin with. It’s old and it doesn’t run real good.”
“Oh, God.” Krista grabbed her forehead. “He could be anywhere.”
Sonja moved to the phone. “I’ll call the police.”
Krista collapsed onto the couch. “It won’t do any good. He has to be missing for twenty-four to forty-eight hours first.”
“How long has it been?” Dwight asked.
“Since I last saw him?” Sonja said. “Two hours.”
“Me too,” Krista said. “Two hours ago he was sitting on the porch with me.”
This time Dwight moved to the phone.
“Who are you calling?” Krista asked.
“Doc,” he said simply, lifting the receiver.
*
Rae allowed the phone to ring. She stared at it with anger, hating Lindsay’s words, hating that her friend was right. Each ring was a reminder, a blade twisting the words into her heart.
When it stopped she breathed deeply, relieved. She jerked when the rings started again.
“Damn it!” she lifted the phone and was about to press the button and yell into it when she saw the caller ID. She stared. Long and hard. Should she let it ring? It was Krista. Should she let it ring?
It stopped. She set it down.
Another ring started. This time from her cell phone. She rose and plucked it off the kitchen counter. She answered, this time concerned.
“Hello.”
“Doc?” It was Dwight.
Panic flooded through her. “What is it?” Is it Krista? Please no, don’t let it be Krista.
“It’s Clinton. He’s gone.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Krista paced back and forth on the stone porch. Night had fallen but she ignored the chill on her arms, clutching the cordless phone. She’d prayed over and over again for it to ring. A call had come in from Dwight about an hour before, but she couldn’t quite make out what he said. All she’d heard was her uncle’s name and that they’d found the truck. Again she cursed the poor cellular service outside the city.
“Why don’t you come inside and have some coffee?” Sonja asked.
“No, I can’t.” Krista held her forehead. “He could be anywhere. He could be hurt, or lost, or someone could’ve robbed him, taken his truck, his identification…”
“Krista, it won’t do you any good to think like that.”
Krista dropped her hand in frustration. “Then what am I supposed to do?”
Sonja motioned for her to step inside. “Pray.”
Krista entered the house and scooped Jagger up in her arms. She held him up to her face and inhaled the scent of his fur for comfort. “I wish Judith were here,” she confessed, tears in her eyes. “I’ve already let her down.”
She stroked the coyote’s head. His ears had grown larger and his fur was beginning to lighten. He was starting to look like an actual coyote.
“You’re doing the best you can. Dwight and I were here too. We didn’t hear him drive off either. The possibility never even crossed my mind.”
Krista sat on the sofa, lost in thought. “He’s upset. Confused.” She met Sonja’s eyes. “I’ve seen a big change in his mood since she passed.”
“I have too. He’s depressed now and grieving. Only he doesn’t have the benefit of grieving like we do. To him the wound is fresh again every day. Sometimes more than once.”
“What can we do?” She wanted so badly to help her uncle heal, but his condition was worsening, making the healing process all the more difficult.
Sonja sipped her coffee from the kitchen table and seemed to think long and hard before she answered. “We have to surround him in the safest environment possible. And we have to talk to him. Remind him frequently of who he is and where he is. Maybe even give him more chores to keep him busy.”
Krista nodded. “That sounds like a good start.” Now if he would only be found safe. She glanced at her watch. Rae and Dwight had been gone for two hours. She looked back up to Sonja, grateful for her presence.
“What about you, Sonja? Do you have a family?” Krista had assumed she didn’t have anyone immediate waiting for her. She’d yet to leave the ranch or ask for any time off.
“I don’t have kids, no.”
“Anyone special?”
Sonja smiled. “No.”
“Why not?”
“I could ask you the same.”
This time Krista smiled. “When you do find someone, they’ll be damn lucky. In the meantime, you’ve become like family to us. We would love it if you would continue to stay on full time. Move in permanently.”
Sonja considered her words and then nodded. “I’d like that very much.”
Krista grinned and glanced down at the phone. She was about to call Dwight’s cell phone again when she heard the gravel crunching on the driveway. In an instant, she had placed Jagger on the floor and was at the door yanking it open. Sonja was right behind her as she crossed the porch and ran down the steps.
Rae’s truck was in the lead, big headlights shining, and Clinton’s truck followed close behind. Krista’s heart raced as the driver’s door opened and Rae stepped out.
“Did you find him?” Krista could wait no longer.
Rae strolled around the front of her truck as the passenger door opened and Krista’s question was answered.
“Tío!” She ran to her uncle and embraced him tightly.
He raised his hands hesitantly to hug her in return. “Mija.”
She could tell he had no idea why she was so excited to see him. Krista pushed back tears, knowing he wouldn’t understand. “I’m glad you’re home,” she said.
Clinton removed his hat and walked up the porch steps. “I ran into Rae and Dwight,” he said casually. He stopped on the porch as he caught sight of Sonja.
“I’m Sonja,” she said just as she had many times before.
“I know.” Clinton held out a bag. “I brought you and Krista a burrito.”
He walked into the house without saying anything further. Krista turned to face Rae as Dwight crawled out from Clinton’s truck.
“He was at Roberto’s,” Rae said. “Having menudo.”
Krista’s laugh was strangled by tears. She threw herself into Rae’s arms. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
Rae stood very still at first, but Krista could feel the fluttering beat of her heart. Eventually Rae’s arms came softly around her and Krista forced back her emotions, not wanting to cry in front of her. She didn’t move, wanting to remain there forever, smelling her spicy scent and feeling her strength. But Rae drew back as Dwight walked up.
“Doc knew just where to look.”
Krista offered Rae a grateful smile. “Thank God. I was worried sick.”
Rae looked a little uncomfortable with the gratitude. “He used to eat there at least three times a week.”
“We found him pretty much right away but he wasn’t willing to leave. Said he had errands to run, so we went with him to Home Depot and to Checker.” Dwight laughed. “He bought some work gloves and new battery cable for the truck.”
“He had no idea we w
ere there to get him,” Rae said. “No clue that we were worried about him.”
Krista faced Rae. “Will you please join us for dinner?”
Rae shoved her hands into her pockets. “I really should be getting home.”
Krista lowered her head. When she spoke again her voice was soft and defeated. “Of course.” She climbed the steps and wiped a stray tear as she passed Dwight to enter the house.
Rae opened the door to her truck to climb inside.
“What are you doing, Doc?”
Rae looked up at Dwight. “I’m going home.”
“I mean with Krista.”
Rae narrowed her eyes. “Nothing.”
“I can see that.” He descended the steps. “Don’t you think it’s about time you let someone in?”
“I don’t want to talk about this with you.”
“No, I know you don’t. I wouldn’t want to either. But I care about you. And so did Judith.” He paused, seemingly for effect. “When I came back from the trail and told her I saw the two of you holding hands, she smiled so big it must’ve hurt.”
Rae climbed in the truck, affected by the words she wanted to block out.
“She told me a secret then, one she made me swear I would keep as long as she was alive. She told me that she’d hoped you and Krista would find each other.”
Rae held his gaze for a long silent moment. Then she closed the door and started the truck. Dwight stepped back as she drove away into the setting sun.
*
Krista stood at the door with tears in her eyes when Dwight came through. He paused and she said, “I heard.”
“It’s true,” he whispered. “She was happy to hear the two of you were growing close. She died in peace knowing that, with hope. She always worried about you both, didn’t like that you were both alone. Why do you think she insisted you both go on the trail?”
“And this was what you swore you couldn’t tell?”
He nodded. “But she ain’t here to kick my ass now, and I figured the two of you should know.”
Krista wiped away tears. “Thank you for telling me.” She forced a smile. “I can’t believe she set us up.” As the realization sank in she shook her head. “But I don’t think it’ll make a difference. Rae doesn’t want…”
Dwight squeezed her shoulders. “She’s scared.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that? Scared of what?”
Dwight sighed. “I’m not really the one to tell you.” He looked deep into her eyes. “She lost someone a couple of years back. In an accident.”
Krista gasped. “Who?”
Dwight looked uncomfortable and cleared his throat. “A lady friend.”
“Oh, no.”
Dwight lowered his head. “I’m only saying something because I can see something’s going on between you. And I’m worried about her.” He raised his eyes to hers. “Your aunt Judith was a smart woman.” He gave her shoulders one last squeeze. “I think she’s right about the two of you.”
Krista stood absorbing the information as Dwight dropped his hands and took off his hat to walk by her. She was lost in thought when headlights and the sound of popping rocks under moving tires got her attention. She walked back onto to the porch and tried to focus on the darkening driveway.
“Hey!” A door slammed shut and Lindsay came into view.
“Lindsay, hi.” Krista closed her eyes. “Shit, I totally forgot we had plans.”
“That’s okay.” She crossed the rocks to the front steps. “How’s Clinton?”
“You heard?”
Lindsay greeted her with a quick hug. “Rae told me.”
“Oh. Well, he’s fine. Thanks to Rae,” Krista softly added.
Lindsay followed her inside. “Well, that’s our girl. Always coming to the rescue. Unless it involves herself.”
Krista couldn’t miss the sarcasm in her voice and she was about to question it when Lindsay said, “Put on your shoes, we need to get going.” She smiled.
Krista glanced down at herself. “I’m not ready to go anywhere.”
Lindsay waved her off. “You look great. Jeans and a T-shirt are fine.”
Krista hesitated. She wasn’t in any mood for a date. Even a purely platonic one. Which she was sure this was going to be. She hadn’t felt anything physical for Lindsay and up until this moment she thought Lindsay felt the same way.
“Lindsay, I’m sorry, I’m just not in the mood to go out. After Clinton and everything…” She left out what she’d learned about Rae. She needed time to think on it.
Lindsay walked toward her and took her hands. “No arguing. You’re coming.”
“But I…” She wanted to be alone, to examine her feelings for Rae, to think over Judith’s words and final wishes, and what, if anything, she could do about it.
“Krista, please. I need you to come with me.”
Krista gazed into her eyes. When she recognized the seriousness and intensity she moved to the front closet and retrieved her shoes. Slipping them on, she asked, “Where are we going?”
“To meet a friend.”
“A friend?” Krista smoothed her hair back with her fingers and tucked in her shirt.
Sonja emerged from the hallway, giving Lindsay a friendly smile.
“Sonja, this is Lindsay,” Krista said.
Lindsay crossed the room to shake her hand. “Pleasure, Sonja.”
“Likewise.”
“I forgot Lindsay and I had plans. Do you mind if I go out for a little while?”
“No problem. Clinton’s already turned in for the night.”
Lindsay was still smiling at the nurse. Krista watched with surprise as she leaned in to whisper something in Sonja’s ear. Sonja nodded and Lindsay smiled at her once again.
“I’ll be back shortly.” Krista moved toward the door. “Try and call my cell if you need me.”
Sonja waved, her eyes only leaving Lindsay’s for a second to meet Krista’s. “You two have fun.”
“Nice meeting you,” Lindsay said. “I’m sure I’ll see you again real soon.”
They’d only reached the end of the long drive when Krista asked, “Am I mistaken, or did you and Sonja hit it off?”
Lindsay chuckled. “Maybe.”
Krista grinned. “I thought so. And what was all that whispering about?”
Lindsay wagged a finger. “That’s between her and me.”
Krista relaxed against the seat, and as they pulled out onto the main road she began to feel better about being away from the ranch. Maybe it was a good thing Lindsay had insisted she come along. She needed some fresh air away from the grief and the stress and the heartache.
“So where are we going again?”
“Uh-uh. No more questions.” She turned on the radio and Krista sat back and enjoyed the ride.
By the third song Lindsay slowed her truck and pulled off the road. Krista sat up straighter to get a look. They drove up a short dirt drive and the headlights shone on a small log ranch home. A dirty white dually truck and two horse trailers flanked the drive.
“Isn’t that Rae’s truck?”
Lindsay didn’t answer, she just kept humming to the music as she put the truck in park. She killed the engine and opened her door. When Krista didn’t move she said, “Well, come on.”
Krista opened the door, her heart already doubling its pace. “You didn’t say anything about Rae.”
They walked up to the front door and Lindsay knocked. “I didn’t know I needed to.”
Krista felt her face heat. Lindsay knocked again. Krista looked around. She could picture Rae living there.
“Come on.” Lindsay walked briskly to the side of the house and soon they were in the vast backyard, following a footpath. Krista struggled to keep up with her in the darkness and was about to ask her to slow down when she heard music. Lindsay stopped ahead of her and took her hand. They continued slowly and quietly until Krista could make out a figure sitting in a large wicker chair in the middle of the yard. The song was f
amiliar, the one she’d heard on the trail. A candle flickered next to the chair and beyond was a wooden fence, where the shadows of two horses could be seen.
Lindsay whispered, “I just remembered I have something to do.”
“What?” Krista stared at her in disbelief, the small moon showing the poorly hidden intentions in Lindsay’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, I’ll come back for you in a while.”
“You can’t leave me here!” But Lindsay was already walking away. Krista attempted to follow but stumbled. “Shit!”
She turned back to look at the chair in the distance. The figure was standing, guitar held close.
“Is someone there?” Rae called out.
“Shit,” Krista cursed again. “I’m going to kill her!” she said, thinking of Lindsay.
“Who’s there?” Rae stood taller, her voice on alert.
Krista knew she had to come clean. “It’s Krista.”
The guitar lowered farther. “Krista?”
“Yes.” She crossed the lawn, feeling awkward and embarrassed. “I…Lindsay brought me.”
Rae met her eyes and looked beyond, searching.
“She just took off,” Krista admitted.
Rae’s eyes came back to hers. Krista could see the scars in them. It pained her, knowing how badly Rae must have hurt, how badly she must still be hurting, having lost someone close to her as well as Judith.
“I’m sorry,” she offered. “I’ll call Dwight and have him come get me.”
Rae said nothing. She stood, holding her guitar wearing the same dark T-shirt and jeans Krista had just seen her in. Her feet were bare. “Come inside,” she finally said, her voice weak. “I’ll get my keys and drive you home.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Krista followed silently as Rae led the way, carrying the candle. She blew it out before opening the back door to step inside. Krista brushed past her and immediately felt the warmth of the house. Her eyes adjusted to the low light emitted by two small lamps. The floor in the living room was dark cherrywood, the oversized sofa beige, and the leather recliner a deep burgundy. Unframed canvas paintings of horses decorated the wall above the sofa and the empty fireplace. The room felt comfortable and inviting, almost cozy, and she could imagine Rae spending a lot of her time there.