by Cathy Bryant
An acidic taste landed in his mouth. What was up with her? He puffed out his cheeks with air and released the breath between pursed lips. Better to forget it and enjoy this time with Bo.
The day was unusually cool for August, so they fished until late morning. After stopping for chili-cheese burgers at Granny’s Kitchen, they made their way to the ranch. Andy’s mouth gaped open at the destruction. “Man, I didn’t know the tornado left this much damage out here.”
Bo pointed to the blank space in front of the main ranch house. “Yeah, it blowed over all those big trees in front of Papaw’s house.”
“What about your house? Is it okay?”
“Mom cried the other day. She said the tornado hurt our house and it was gonna cost a lot of money and time to fix. Plus it blowed away her painting place.”
Andy’s heart pounded. “The cottage?”
“Yep.”
The news socked him in the gut. No wonder she’d cancelled the art show and been so withdrawn. He’d been so consumed with work that he’d let Trish handle the details of fixing up his office and house. She’d sacrificed the art exhibit to help him. Though the thought hurt, it also sowed hope in his heart. Maybe she cared about him after all.
A second later they pulled in front of Trish’s house, and his jaw flopped open. In several places, the long front porch sagged. The jagged edge of broken tree branches made the house feel deserted. Why hadn’t she said anything? Better yet, why hadn’t he thought to ask?
His chest tightened with knife-like remorse. After his meeting this afternoon, he’d come back out to see if he could repair the damage—not just to the house—but to their broken friendship.
Bo let him in the garage door with the key he wore around his neck, an item of jewelry that bothered Andy to no end. A bucket was propped next to the back door, the ceiling above it stained.
“Can we go riding now?”
Andy squatted in front of him. “Tell you what. I’ll saddle the horses while you take a nap. You were yawning all over the place today. Don’t you know cowboys have to be rested up before they saddle up?”
Bo giggled and grinned, sending warmth coursing through Andy’s veins. “’kay.”
As soon as Bo disappeared into his room, Andy sauntered to the barn behind the main ranch house and saddled the horses, then returned to the house. He moved to the back door and peered outside. Trish’s cottage was completely demolished. Piles of debris littered the back yard where someone had made an attempt to clean up. He imagined Trish courageously trying to rake up her shattered dreams, tears streaming down her face.
Andy raked a hand through his hair, his insides churning. How could he ever make it up to her? Sobs and sniffles sounded from Bo’s room. Frowning, he hurried down the hallway and opened the door. “Bo, you okay?”
The boy’s cheeks were wet. “No. I’m very, very sad.”
“How come?” Andy perched on the edge of the bed.
Wiping his eyes with his fists, Bo scooted back against the wagon-wheel headboard. “Mom says we have to move to Austin.”
The news jabbed him in the stomach. So it was true. She was leaving. No wonder she’d erected a barrier between them.
“But I don’t wanna go. I’ll miss you and Domino and Papaw—” His sobs started afresh.
Andy yanked him into his lap and rocked back and forth. “Shhh, it’s okay.”
“It’s all my fault.” Bo whimpered the words.
The all-too-familiar words sent alarm drag-racing through his veins. He set Bo back at arm’s length to make eye contact. “What’s your fault?”
“Everything. Mom moving . . .” He started crying again, but this time it was harder, his face screwed up in intense pain. “But ‘specially Daddy dying. I should’ve minded him, but I didn’t.”
“Bo, it’s not your fault.” Andy hugged him to his chest, an achy feeling shooting through his entire body. He knew exactly how he felt. The drunken words his Dad had spoken after Mom left had haunted him for years. “It was an accident, Bo, not your fault.”
The boy’s cries softened, but he continued to sniff.
Mind a-whirl, Andy searched for words. What could he say to offer comfort? I’ll talk to your mom and see if she’ll change her mind? You’ll like living in Austin away from everyone you know and love? His cell phone vibrated at his waist. One arm wrapped around Bo, he pulled the phone from its holster. Otis Thacker.
He sat Bo on the bed and stood, one hand in the air. “Bo, I have to take this call, but I’ll be right back, okay?”
The boy shook his head slowly, his eyes full of sorrow.
Andy cringed as he hurried from the room. Poor little guy. He had no way to understand everything that was happening. After this phone call, he’d sit down with him and try to explain.
The call took longer than expected. When Otis got a bee in his bonnet, there was no moving quickly. Afterward, Andy made his way back to Bo’s room, expecting to find him waiting patiently. Instead, the boy hunkered down under the dark blue comforter, a big lump, snoozing away.
It was for the best. After Bo was rested, the situation would be easier to explain. Andy quietly closed the door and moved to the living room to catch some ESPN, and for the first time noticed the bulging boxes stacked in the dining room.
* * * * *
Trish navigated the rutted ranch road as quickly as possible, her mind staggering with all that had transpired. Francesca had driven all the way from Austin to meet with her, and the meeting had gone extremely well. The job was hers, but the woman wanted her to start Monday morning. She combed a hand through her hair, then removed the heavy silver loops from her ears and dropped them into the console cup holder. Did she not realize how difficult it was for a single mother to move at the drop of a hat? Still it must be what God wanted. Especially since everything had fallen into place.
She released a breath, willing her mind and heart to slow their quickened pace. Somehow she had to find time to get Bo enrolled in a new school. Thankfully, Delaine had already agreed they could crash at her place until they found a place to live. That wouldn’t be easy on any of them, but it couldn’t be helped. At least she had a high-paying job now, and once she proved herself, she might qualify for a raise that would provide a very nice life for Bo.
Heaviness descended on her heart. Andy deserved to know about the move, and she needed for him to understand why. God, give me the strength and the words. And while You’re at it, could You help my family understand, too?
She grabbed her cell phone to call Steve. “Hey, I need to talk to you and Dad and Dani about something. Will y’all be around later this afternoon?”
In the background lively chatter erupted and Steve chuckled in response. Sounded like they were having a good time. “Actually, we’re all headed to the lake. What about tomorrow?”
The news that they were once more on an outing without her and Bo knifed into her. “Yeah, that’ll work. I’ll talk to you then. Bye.” She clicked the phone shut and tossed it to the passenger seat, and ache in her heart. The house came into view and she checked the dashboard clock. Thirty minutes late. Hopefully, it wouldn’t make Andy overdue for his appointment.
His mad dash out the garage door said otherwise. He held up a hand. “Sorry I have to leave like this, but I’m running behind. Bo’s taking a nap.”
“Sorry I made you late.” Trish stood on one foot, the other one still inside her car.
“Not a problem. Listen, I need to talk to you, so I’ll be back after my meeting.”
No asking if it was okay. He was telling, not asking. “I have something to tell you, too.”
He hopped in his car, the engine roaring to life. The car spun out of the driveway, sending up a cloud behind him that showered her and her car with a layer of dust. She coughed against the fine powder and entered the house.
While Bo was asleep, she’d clean house and pack. That way they could leave early tomorrow morning. She’d have to deal with the house repairs and moving t
he furniture another time. Trish tossed her keys on the kitchen counter where they landed with a clank, then tiptoed past Little Bo’s room. She changed into shorts and a t-shirt, then pulled her hair into a ponytail.
An hour and a half later, she gazed around the-cleaned house, which now smelled like the amaretto candle she’d lit. Tears stung. How could she leave this place and all the fond memories it held? Stop it, Trish. You have no choice. A better question was how could she stay? She’d tried everything else. God had a reason for the way things worked out. He just had a different path than the one she’d hoped for, and it did no good to question why.
Trish spied the clock and frowned. How long had Bo been asleep? She’d better wake him or he wouldn’t sleep tonight, and the last thing she needed on the trip to Austin was a cranky boy. Quietly, she opened the door and moved to the opposite side of the bed, positioning herself next to him and peeling back the covers.
Her heart pounded into overdrive. Instead of her son’s face, a pillow stared back at her. Frantic with fear, she raced from the room, yelling Bo’s name as she went. Searching the house turned up nothing. He wasn’t hiding under any beds or in the closets. She sprinted outside, still calling him, the August heat merciless as sweat poured from her, drenching her clothes.
Panic clamped her throat shut. What if he’d gone to the horses? She tore out to the barn behind the main ranch house, salty tears streaming down her face and into her mouth. A quick scan of the horses sent fresh terror coursing through her veins. Domino was missing!
With no one in sight, she hurried to the ranch house and pounded on the door. No one answered. Her mind whirled, and she brought both hands to her head. Think, Trish, think!
Andy. She’d call Andy. He’d know what to do.
She ripped the cell phone from her pocket. After several rings, he picked up. “Hey, can I call you back later? I’m in the middle of—”
“Bo’s missing!” She screamed the words, then gave into the sobs she’d been holding back.
“Trish, calm down so I can understand you. What do you mean, he’s missing?”
“I thought he was asleep. When I checked on him, I found a pillow he’d stuffed under the sheets. I’ve looked everywhere, and Domino’s gone.” Her voice elevated in pitch and volume. “Andy, help me. I don’t know what to do.”
“I’ll call the police, then I’ll be right there.”
Trish hung up, pacing back and forth down the road that led to her house until Andy arrived a few minutes later, concern etched on his pale face. “Have you found him?”
She shook her head, then fell to her knees and started sobbing.
Andy was at her side in a split second, his arms around her. “C’mon, Trish, we’ll find him.”
She looked into his face, his eyes soft and loving.
“Trust me.”
Trish nodded and swallowed, then pushed herself to her feet. Falling to pieces wouldn’t help find Bo. Andy stood at the same time and removed his coat and tie.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m gonna get on Biscuit and go looking for him.”
A horse whinnied behind them. They turned in tandem.
The blood rushed from her head, and the world started to turn in slow motion. Domino hobbled toward them, still saddled and reins dragging, a bloody gash snaking down one leg.
Chapter 29
God, I know I don’t deserve Your help, but please bring back my little boy. And don’t let anything happen to him. I couldn’t bear it. Trish buried her face into Bo’s Sponge Bob pillow. Oh, it smelled like her baby. She released a wail that robbed her of breath, rocking back and forth as she clutched Bo’s pillow to her chest. Hadn’t she endured enough?
She scrambled from the bed and raced to the front door to peer out. Nothing. No one. Andy had been gone almost an hour. Ernie, the town policeman, had joined the search a few minutes ago with the promise that the county sheriff and his mounted search and rescue team would be there shortly. What was taking them so long? Didn’t they realize she needed to be out looking for Bo instead of waiting on them?
Oh God, let them find him. Alive. More grief slid down her face and deposited salty tears on her lips.
As she turned to move to the back door to look out for the hundredth time, her cell phone buzzed. She flipped it open without even checking the display. Maybe Andy had found him.
“Sis?” Steve’s voice held a panicked edge. “We just heard an APB on the radio that Little Bo is missing. When did it happen and why didn’t you call?”
Her gaze moved to the mantle clock, and she brought trembling fingers to her face. How long had it been? When had Bo slipped out of the house without Andy’s knowledge? “I—I don’t know.” Her voice trembled. ”I’m sorry. I’m not thinking too clearly right now.” Shock. She’d gone through it before when Doc died.
“We headed back as soon as we heard the news. We’ll be there shortly.”
Trish clicked the phone shut, then turned and stumbled down the hallway. A new wave of panic flooded over her at the sight of Bo’s empty bed. She gasped for air. They just had to find him!
Several minutes later, a car door slammed, and she scurried to the door, guessing that the sheriff’s mounted team had arrived. Instead, Steve and Dani hurried toward the house, followed by Dad and Mama Beth. She swung the door open.
Her brother’s long legs had already closed the distance between the driveway and house. “What happened?” His voice thundered.
Dani rushed around him and engulfed Trish in a hug, opening another floodgate of tears. “It’s okay, we’ll find him. He’s a tough little boy.”
No. He used to be tough. Now he was a hurting little boy who was missing. And it was her fault. Her knees buckled beneath her, but Steve caught her and ushered her inside to the couch.
Mama Beth bustled up a minute later, a glass of water in her hand. “Here, drink this. It’ll make you feel better.” A shiny new engagement ring winked from her finger.
Better? Nothing could make her feel better except getting Bo back safely. Trish’s hands shook as she took the glass. “Nice ring.”
Mama Beth’s face paled. She covered the ring with the opposite hand and peered at the other three. “Oh—I—I didn’t think . . .”
Dad eased to the couch beside her, his eyes solemn. “We were gonna tell you, honey, but we thought you needed more time.”
She released a laugh that sounded anything but happy and held up one hand. “Don’t worry about it. That’s the least of my concern right now.” Her laughter turned to sobs and she doubled over.
Dani knelt, her hands resting on Trish’s knees, her big blue eyes soft and kind. “Tell us what happened, Trish, so we can know how to help.”
She relayed the story, skipping over the fact that she’d been in Morganville for a job interview, and ended with the news that Andy had borrowed Steve’s horse to search for Bo.
“How long ago did Ernie tell you the mounted search and rescue team would be here?” Steve’s voice was more kind and controlled now.
“About a half hour ago.”
Dad glanced at Steve. “They have to come from all over the county, son, but they’re used to responding quickly. They should be here soon, and then we can join the rescue team.”
Trish stood. “I want to come with you.”
“No.” Steve’s expression held bullish resolve.
“He’s my son.” Her fists clenched at her sides.
Dad pulled himself to a standing position and laid an arm across her shoulders. “Honey, it’s best if you stay here.”
She suddenly felt like an eight-year-old, in trouble for doing something she wasn’t supposed to do. Something that once again made them come to her rescue.
Dani grabbed Trish’s hand. “Don’t you want to be here in case Bo comes back?”
Trish closed her eyes, pulled her hand from Dani’s grasp, and raised it to rub her forehead, too numb to think or argue. “You’re right. I guess it makes more sense to
stay here.
“I’d like to say a prayer first, if you don’t mind.” Mama Beth stepped forward and latched on to Trish’s arm. “Dear Lord, we pray Your protection over Little Bo. We also pray for peace of mind for Trish and the rest of us, knowing that You are Sovereign God, and Bo is in Your care. For those searching and about to join the search, we pray for wisdom, guidance, and skill. We pray all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Outside, tires crunched against gravel and sent them all rushing for the door. Dust billowed around the caravan of pickups and inched into Trish’s nostrils and eyes.
A tall man in jeans and boots climbed from his truck and made his way toward them.
Steve extended a hand. “Hey, Sheriff.”
“Hi, Steve. The little boy that’s missing is kin to you?”
“My nephew. Dad and I would like to join the search.”
The sheriff’s handlebar moustache reminded her of Doc. It bounced as he shook hands with Dad. “Mr. Miller.” He turned his attention back to Steve. “I think that’s a great idea. Y’all know the land better than the rest of us.”
All around them, cowboys unloaded their saddled horses from trailers, and from the backseat of an extended cab pickup, a pack of bloodhounds began to whine and bark.
The sheriff faced her. “You the boy’s mother?”
“Yes.”
“I need to ask you a few questions, and we’ll also need an article of clothing or a toy with your son’s scent on it for the dogs.”
Steve’s mouth set in a grim line. “Go ahead and ask your questions. I’ll get the toy so we can get started.”
Trish wrapped her arms around her waist and once again told the story, while Steve stepped past her and entered the house. A few minutes later he returned with Bo’s stuffed horse clutched in one hand. He turned it over to the sheriff, who promptly headed toward the gathered men.
Dad turned and shuffled toward the barn. “Let’s saddle up.”
“Right behind you, Dad.” Steve turned to Trish, his cinnamon eyes full of questions. “Planning a trip?”