“Because it’s still inside, with her keys and her purse.” Reece’s expression told Noah the words pained him to say.
Before Noah had a moment to ponder the disturbing news, a familiar figure lunged through a small crowd that had gathered, making a beeline for Noah. “Boss! Are you all right?”
In a pair of red snowflake footy pajamas, Dixie looked as though she’d hopped out of bed mere moments before. Silver pins holding her hair in place winked in the floodlights, and her face was devoid of paint. Her pale lips quivered, and she began patting Noah’s arms and shoulders. “You’re okay, right?”
He grasped her hands and squeezed them. “I’m fine, but we can’t find Hailey or Chance.” The calmness in his voice shocked him. It sounded as though it came from someone else and from far away.
“Oh no!” she cried and spun in circles, as if woman and dog might be lingering in the parking lot and had merely been overlooked.
Noah glanced at his brother. “I have to find them.” The emotion he had caged cracked through his thin veneer of control and transformed his voice into a croak.
“Dewey and I will help,” Dixie squawked.
Reece gave her a half-smile. “Might be better if you change into something more suited for the outdoors, Dix.”
“I know that,” she snapped and speed-waddled away.
“Come back here when you’re ready,” Reece called after her, “so we can tell you where to go.”
“I’m tired of being told where to go.” She flapped a hand while Noah stared after her. Would she and Dewey be a help or a hindrance? It could go either way.
“Reece, I’m searching on my own.”
“I reached Charlie, and he’s on his way. I need you to wait for him. You’re in no condition—”
“To drive. Yeah, I know, but I’m doing it anyway,” Noah bit out. “I can’t stand around here and do nothing.” Every square inch of skin on his body itched.
Reece used his big brother voice, pushing Noah’s sanity to the brink. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Noah.”
“And I don’t give two fucks.”
A figure strode through the crowd and blinked against the bright light. “Hey, heard you need some help.” Deputy O’Brien, in civilian clothing, hitched up his jeans. His belt was missing, his shirt untucked,and his hair looked like he’d stuck his finger in an electrical socket. The sour smell of alcohol drifted off him.
“Rough night?” Reece chuffed.
Shane snorted. “Nah, it was a great night until I got a whiff of what’s going on.” He slid his gaze to Noah. “I’ll drive.”
Reece pulled himself to his full height, which beat Noah by an inch. “I’m getting a whiff ofyou, dude, and I don’t think you’re in any condition to drive either.”
“I’ll do the driving.” Neve appeared in a down jacket and snow boots, her curls tucked under a knit cap. She marched right up to Reece, and though she was a foot shorter, she leveled him with a death glare. “And don’t you dare tell me I can’t, Reece Hunnicutt. Hailey ismyfriend, and I love that dog.”
Reece’s mouth opened, closed, and opened again.
“Yeah, I thought so,” she huffed and rolled her eyes. “Boys!”
“Noah’s with me!” anewvoice hollered. Where the hell had Micky come from?
Amy scurried behind him. “I’m in too!”
Noah couldn’t decide whether to tear his hair out or kiss every member of the three-ring circus surrounding him.
Reece shrugged. “Your call, bro.”
“Let’s split up. I’ll go with Neve.” She seemed like the only sane one out of the bunch. Besides, the girl had the driving skills and nerves of an ice road trucker. “Amy, go with Micky. Shane, are you sober?”
“I just blew a point oh-three. I’m legal.”
Neve let out a little gasp. “You used your own breathalyzer? Can you do that?”
