Page 86 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
“No, we’re going. I’ll drive. You get Zinnia back on the line so we can coordinate our efforts.”
“Great idea. I’ll be right over.” On his way out the door he grabbed a first-aid kit from the bathroom, a blanket from the hall closet and his handheld spotlight. No telling what that little guy had gotten himself into.
But he’d be fine. Had to be fine. He wouldn’t let himself imagine any other outcome.
As he ran toward Adam and Tracy’s cabin, his mom and Greta came out of the main house pulling on sweatshirts.
“We’re going,” Greta said.
“How did?—”
“Adam sent a group text while he was talking to you.”
“I’ll be damned.”
“We’re taking our truck, too,” Luis called out as he and Jordan emerged from their casita. “Rio and Zay are with us. Mila’s bringing everybody else in the van. The more people we have, the better our chances of finding him.”
“Can’t argue with that!” His voice sounded a little froggy. His throat had a boulder-sized lump in it. The Bridger Bunch had gathered.
He took the front passenger seat while Tracy, Greta and his mom sat in back. Once they were on their way, he called Zinnia.
She answered immediately. “Still no luck.” Her voice was tight with fear. “I just know he’s out there determined to get to you before we get to him. He’s such a st-stubborn little c-cuss.”
His chest ached. She was trying so hard not to lose it. “Help is on the way. I’m in Adam’s truck with my mom, Tracy and Greta. Luis is behind us with Jordan, Zay and Rio. Mila’s bringing everyone else in the van.”
There was a choked sound on the other end. “They all…” Then came a loud sniff and a deep exhale. “Tell them…tell them…thank you.”
“You’re welcome!” Greta, Tracy and his mom sang out in unison.
“They figured more people looking would be?—”
“It’s brilliant.” She took a shaky breath. “He loves all of you. He’ll come out for sure. Should we stop calling to him?”
“Maybe.” He glanced at Adam, who nodded. “Yeah, why not try that. We just went through the front gate. I doubt he got this far.”
“I’m sure not. But he might have made it to the main road.” She sounded slightly calmer.
He had his family to thank for that. “At least there’s no traffic at this time.” He chose not to give voice to what else could be out there.
“Right. Let me talk to Mari and my uncle for a sec.” After some murmuring in the background, she came back. “We’ve decided to drive back home and let your caravan take it from here.”
“Okay. But stay on the phone.”
“Oh, you know it. You’re my lifeline right now.”
Her words punched him right in the gut. He must have let out a little gasp because Adam gave him a look.
Then his big brother pulled out his phone and called Luis. “I’ll set the pace, amigo. We’ll roll down our windows and take turns calling for Tex. Identify yourselves when you call out so he knows it’s us. Pass that word to Mila. If anybody hears or sees anything, give a holler.”
What followed reminded Monty of a weird nighttime version of the Fourth of July parade. Except it was being staged for one small spectator. At Adam’s suggestion, he took more turns than anyone.
If the circumstances weren’t so scary, he’d get a kick out of the various bribes his family came up with. Auntie Ezzie offered to teach him new cha-cha steps. Rio said he could sit in his lap and steer the Gator.
Greta promised sticky buns and his mom dangled a trip to the attic where the toys were stored. Cole said he could flip the switch to start the Beaver Bunch show. Claudie invited him to look over her supply of colored tape. No response. The woods on either side of the road were dark and still.
About fifty yards from the turnoff to Graham’s road, Adam pointed to him and he launched into his spiel.
“Hey, sport, it’s Mister Monty!” He worked hard to make his voice sound jovial. Wasn’t easy when the spotlight he swept over the bushes and trees sometimes reflected a pair of glowing eyes.
