“You got it. I’ll head there right now.”
“Let me know what you find, wouldya?”
“You bet.”
I hung up and stood still for a moment. I didn’t know what Reid might find. Maybe nothing. Maybe the kid just needed some space.
I hoped that was all.
Everyone headed home, tired and dirty, but the barn had been cleaned out of every cobweb and nest. The windows were scrubbed by those willing to climb the ladders, and the floor was hosed off. It was for sure the cleanest it had been since it had been built long before I was born.
The sun was about to dip below the ridge, casting long shadows across the yard. Crickets were beginning their nightly music. The smell of lemon oil and pine lingered on my shirt, somewhat masking the dust and sweat, but all I could focus on was the weight of Anna leaning against me on the porch swing.
Her head rested on my shoulder, eyes half-lidded. “I don’t remember the last time I was this tired,” she said, punctuating it with a yawn. “But I think that barn is ready for decorating.”
My fingers idly played with the ends of her hair, where my arm draped around her shoulders. “You did all that.”
A smile played on her lips. “I had a lot of help.”
“From a lot of people who want to support your idea. To support you.”
She tilted her head up, smiling at me. “Thank you, Chase. I know it’s a ton of work you didn’t ask for. To have your life upended by all the people here.”
“Are you having fun?”
“I am.”
“Then it’s all worth it.”
I leaned forward to kiss her, but the sound of a car engine killed the moment. In a few seconds, the Sheriff’s SUV pulled in front of the porch. Reid got out, and one look at his face told me this wasn’t a social visit. His jaw was tight, and his eyes were stormy under the brim of his hat as he got out of the vehicle.
Anna joined me as I moved to stand at the top of the porch steps.
“They didn’t even know he was gone,” Reid clipped.
“Who?” I asked.
“Jordan’s aunt and uncle,” he snapped. “His legal guardians. If you can even call them that.”
Anna let out a quiet gasp. “What’s going on?” Her usually soft voice was sharp. “Has something happened to Jordan?”
“What do you mean they didn’t know?” I asked, my voice vibrating with anger.
“I mean,” Reid answered, his voice low and simmering, “they haven’t seen him since Thursday afternoon. They claimed they thought he was working or ‘out somewhere.’ Didn’t check his room, didn’t ask around, didn’t call anyone.” He shook his head. “Just assumed he was fine.”
“He’s missing?” Anna’s voice was shaky. She turned to me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
I sighed and ran a hand around my neck. “I didn’t want to worry you until I heard from Reid.”
As her gaze swung back to him, Reid’s expression carefully changed to neutral. “He’s probably just mad about something. He’ll come home when he gets hungry. I’ve got deputies checking around town. I’ve also contacted the social worker to let her know.”
“What do we do in the meantime?”
Reid’s gaze bounced between us. “You stay alert and keep your eyes out. Maybe ask around to people you know. If he shows up here, let me know right away. He’s not in trouble. But if you can think of any place he might have gone, let me know.”
I nodded once, my jaw tight. “We’ll help however we can.”
“I know. That’s why I came here first.”
