Page 261 of One Winter Knight
“Hale’s not home yet.” I froze, potato masher in hand and something dawned on me.
“Oh. Perhaps the train was delayed?” she asked.
I turned to face her. “I can’t get a hold of him. He ran, didn’t he? He’s not coming home. It makes sense. I freaked him out the other day, talking about kids. His parents were mean. Things aren’t working out with his research. Hale’s spiraling again and thinking we’re better off without him. Which we’re not.”
Her arms wrapped around me. “No. Perhaps he needs time tothink. Which is perfectly understandable. But he didn’t run. He might just need a day or two to process everything. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”
“His phone is having issues. But it is weird that we haven’t heard from him since this morning,” Carlos replied.
“Do you think someone took him?” Dusty joined us, plopping down at the breakfast bar. “What? You were worried about the chalk on the stoop and people being watched.”
“That was Raelynn. I’m sure she didn’t kidnap Hale.” Carlos’ frown deepened.
“Are you sure?” I asked. If that bitch laid one hand on my alpha…
“We saw her this afternoon, remember? Also, he’s in Research Circle. I’m not sure she knows where that is.” Carlos was on his phone.
“It’s worth calling her to make sure. But…” Dusty looked at Saoirse. “Could they kidnap him as part of the challenge arrow? Like,You offed my husband, I steal yours?”
“Dusty, that isn’t real.” Saoirse shook her head.
“But what if someonethinksit’s a thing? That’s really all you need.” Dusty asked.
I abandoned the potatoes and joined them. “What challenge arrow?”
“The one from the charity game,” Dusty explained. “In this popular assassin video game you can challenge an assassin with an arrow when you think they did the wrong thing.”
“I have never heard of that. Wait, do you think Hale waskidnapped?Because of us?” I sucked in a breath. Oh, shit.
“It was children who shot the arrow. They found them. I checked,” Saoirse added. “But, I will make some calls, in case our weeping widow is smarter than she appears.” Giving me a squeeze she left the room.
“I’ll call Raelynn.” Dusty picked up his phone and left theroom.
I turned to Carlos. “You don’t think he’s been kidnapped, do you?”
“Something could have happened. But it doesn’t mean he was kidnapped. It could be anything. A car accident. A delay. A race.” Carlos called Hale on speaker.
It went to voicemail. My worry increased.
“I wonder if his sisters track his phone? Not that I have any of their numbers. I’m not sure if I want to ask Grif. I know.” Carlos snapped his fingers. “Rusty. She’s the Maimer’s team captain and a friend of mine.” He started texting, worry coming through our bond.
Dusty came back in. “Raelynn is offended.”
“Raelynn was following us.” I rolled my eyes.
Carlos’ phone rang with an unknown number. He put it on speaker and set it on the breakfast bar. “This is Carlos.”
“Carlos, this is Mercy. Um, did my brother go to the Circle?” she asked.
“Yes, he went yesterday to get clothes and do some things. He was supposed to be back by now and we can’t get a hold of him.” Carlos leaned over the phone.
“Okay, that makes sense. I was wondering if Big Tad was stoned. Tad called me and said Hale left his puppy at the house, but not to worry because they were feeding him, and hopefully the drug bandits wouldn’t take him. Yeah, I’m not making this up.” Mercy sighed.
“Drug bandits?” My voice grew concerned.
“Someone broke into their house but only stole drugs and booze. And people say Briar and Marquess aren’t party schools.” She sighed again. “Big Tad is Hale’s friend and one of his housemates. He used to tutor me, which is how he has my number.”
“Got it. Wait, hispuppy?” Carlos frowned.
