“If she was making her way to Kristen’s, she might not have gotten there yet, she’d still be walking.” I run back into the house and rip my car keys from the hook.
Alannah is in the doorway when I turn. “I’ll come with you.”
“No, I need you to stay with Harper. I’ll call you as soon as I find her.”
She nods and I run out to the car. King and Warren come running toward me. King comes to the window and Warren leans on the hood, blocking my way.
“With all due respect, you ain’t leaving.”
“I am. Rayna’s sneak out.”
They look to each other and then Warren moves around the car and slides into the passenger seat.
“Are you sure she’s not hiding around here somewhere?”
“I’m sure.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
My thumb taps the steering wheel as I drive. I don’t know how much more I can take today. It’s now twice in my life someone has tried to kill me and twice I’ve survived. Now Rayna has run off, I can’t let her dad come home to the news that his daughter is missing. She’s my responsibility and I can’t let him down.
“We’ll find her,” Warren assures me but I can’t speak a word.
Three streets from Slade and Kristen’s house, Rayna is walking along the sidewalk, kicking at the curb. I slam my hand down on the horn and she jumps out of her skin. Good.
I swing the car over and leave it idling by the curb as I jump out.
“Rayna Jackson! You are in so much trouble!”
Though I'm angry, I collect her in my arms and squeeze her tightly, tears streaming down my face.
“I’m sorry!” she cries.
Pulling back, I ask, “What were you thinking?”
“I needed to see Seb and Grandma Kris.”
“I know, sweetheart, but I told you to wait until your dad was home. You can’t take off like this. It's too dangerous!”
Taking her over to the car, she asks, “Now we’re nearly there, can you take me to grandma’s?”
“No, I told you to wait. We have to get home. You scared me silly,” I tell her as she climbs into the back seat. “You probably won’t believe the relief I'm feeling having found you given how angry I am, but I won’t forget the trouble you’re in.”
“Are you going to tell Dad?”
“I don’t have a choice.”
I close the door and round the car, sliding behind the wheel.
“Who are you?” she asks taking in Warren.
“Name’s Warren, kid.”
“Where did you come from?”
“Dog City.”
“My uncle lives in Dog City.”
