The sun stretched toward the horizon by the time Drake and Poppy parked at Helen’s house. The street swarmed with people from the town who’d come to help find Molly.
They vaulted out of the car, ignoring the deafening noise from the crowd around them. Confusion abounded as information was traded like baseball cards. No one knew much, just snippets they’d heard from others, but the one thing they did know was that a little four-year-old was lost.
Drake held her arm, guiding her through the crowd. “What do you need?”
“Something of hers. And somewhere quiet.”
Ted Sommers, the town sheriff, blocked the group of searchers from entering the house. “We need to get inside.”
“Do you see Helen?” She craned her neck searching through the shocked faces.
“She’s probably inside.”
He maneuvered around groups, his arm protectively around her as he declined conversations as politely as he could. “Sheriff Sommers.” Drake nodded in greeting.
“Drake, can I help you with something?” The middled aged man’s voice was hard.
Drake stepped aside so Poppy had more room when she answered. “Helen asked me to come.”
Sheriff Sommers’s eyes darted between the two before nodding in understanding. “We have things well in hand, but if Helen wanted you here…” he shuffled aside, letting them pass into the house. “We’re happy for anything you can do.”
“I’ll try,” she whispered.
Drake squeezed her hand. She wasn’t alone in this. She had an ability, one that could help them find the girl. It had to weigh on her. If she failed…
No. She was strong, capable as she strode through the house, surveying pictures, studying the toys strewn across the floor as if Molly had just ran away from playing with them. She could do this.
It was eerie. He didn’t have magic, but he could sense the girl here. Could sense her in every fiber of the house. She was a part of it.
“Can you help me?” Helen stumbled to Poppy’s side, wrenching her hands.
“I’ll try, Helen. I’ll do everything I can.”
“What do you need? What can I do to help you?”
“Could you show me her room?”
Helen’s eyes widened. “Of course. I should have thought of that.” They walked down the narrow hall to the second room. “I’ve been meaning to have her clean it.” Helen sniffled as her eyes teared at a memory. “She always fights me on it.”
Drake reached out to the woman, his hand resting on her shoulder. “What kid doesn’t?”
“She’s a good girl.” A raspy chuckle escaped her. “She just can’t keep her room clean.”
“We’ll bring her back,” he reassured her. There wasn’t much he could do, but if he could bring this mother even a tiny hint of hope, he would.
Poppy drew her attention again. “I’ll need a minute, Helen, if you don’t mind.”
With a jerky nod, Helen said, “I’ll just be out in the front room. Let me know if you need anything.” She closed the door softly on her way out.
Drake waited a moment, not wanting to interrupt Poppy’s thoughts. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked softly.
She closed her eyes, breathing deeply. “No. Stay.”
Her eyes pleaded into his. She needed him, his strength. And his heart answered for him. Always. “I’ll be right here.”
The Witching Moon: The Witches of Redwood Falls - Book 1 Page 7