Page 71 of Hearts Don't Lie
As soon as Hardin hung up with dispatch, Mike called. “The sheriff has activated a search. We’re leaving immediately.”
Hardin put the call on speaker so that Mac could be part of the conversation as Mike reviewed the pertinent information he’d been given by the sheriff’s office.
“We’ll find him, Kenna. Hardin. Stowe’s been taught to stay in place if anything should happen. The team knows where to look. We’ll be in touch.”
Lightning flared and flashed, almost dying into nothingness before again slashing jagged, bright branches across the churning sky. Thunder boomed in the distance, testing Mac’s and Hardin’s fragile hold on their composure.
Cori, Issa, Doc, and another woman Hardin assumed was Carol, filed in through the front porch.
Kenna stood, her brow furrowed and her eyes glassy.
Hardin rose with her, accepting a hug from Cori after she released Mac.
“Beck’s watching a movie with the girls. He connected the dots when Mike got called up. I had to come give you guys hugs, encourage you, as hard as it is, to stay positive. Stowe’s a smart kid. Mike, Emory, and the team will find him and bring him safely home.” She glanced up at the sky. “This is going to open up any second. I’ve got to get back and be with the kids. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Mac said, her chin trembling.
Issa hugged both of them, as did Doc. The woman with graying brown hair and soulful brown eyes was next, wrapping Mac into a massive hug. “Hi, sweetie. I’m sorry this is happening. He’s okay.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Carol. This is Hardin, Stowe’s father.”
Carol released Mac and approached Hardin. “May I?” she asked, sliding her arm around in a side hug.
Her touch was soothing. The contrast between his mother’s cool touches and Carol’s warm comfort couldn’t have been more disparate. The support Mac had in this town was what every person should have, and he was grateful it was being extended to him.
“This is a lot, isn’t it? Issa and Doc brought me up to speed. I’m happy to meet you, Hardin. I just wish it wasn’t under this circumstance. What do you know?”
The sky opened up and hail rained down, bouncing off the house and yard in fury. Hardin shared the details again with the captive audience of Carol, Issa, Doc, and Mac huddled around the small kitchen table. Hardin rubbed Mac’s back, who leaned into him. Doc clasped his wife’s and Carol’s hands, and the women in turn held Mac’s and Hardin’s.
Doc bowed his head, the dusting of his white hair resembling a halo. “Let’s hold our boy in this circle of hope and love. Pray he comes home safe and sound. Soon.”
