On the TV images of the storm played out as it made landfall thirty minutes south of them. Maddy couldn’t hear the TV for the sound of rain pelting the roof.
Oh, Lord, where are they? Keep them safe. Bring them back.
Finally she set down the remote. “We have to tell Emma.”
Gram nodded, and Maddy went upstairs. She hated to dump more on her sister’s plate, but it couldn’t be helped. Outside Emma’s door she could hear her sister moving around.
She tapped lightly. “Emma? Can I come in?”
“Just a minute.”
A long moment later Emma pulled open the door, dressed in one of Gram’s thick robes. Her damp hair hung in wet ropes around her pale face, and her eyes were bloodshot. She looked as if she’d spent every minute of her shower crying.
“I hate to tell you this,” Maddy said, “but Pippy slipped outside a while ago. Nora went after her, and they’re not back yet.”
Emma’s face fell. “When? When did this happen?” She rushed back inside her room and began flinging open drawers and grabbing clothes.
“Right after you came upstairs. Nora insisted on going after her, and I’m getting worried. Gram called 911, and they said they’d keep their eyes out for her, but they’re pretty swamped.”
“I’ll go after them myself.”
“No, Emma. It’s not safe. The storm’s picked up since they left, and there’s debris flying around everywhere.”
“Which is exactly why I’m going after them.” Holding an armload of clothes, Emma came to the door and began closing it on Maddy. “I need to get dressed.”
“No, Emma. You need to stay put. I’ll go find them.”
“She’s my dog,” Emma said with a stubborn tilt to her chin. “It’s my fault Nora went out in this. I need to find them.”
“I know you’re worried. We all are, but you have to think of the baby.”
Emma blinked, then the fight seemed to drain right out of her. “You’re right.”
Maddy backed into the hall and let her shut the door. She needed her shoes and a raincoat. She headed down the stairs, and as she reached the bottom the door burst open.
Someone pushed inside as the wind swept into the room.
Oh, thank God!
But it wasn’t Nora at the door.
Connor stepped onto the rug, shoving the door closed behind him. His pants were rain-soaked, and his hair was plastered to his head despite the black slicker he wore.
His gaze cut to Maddy. “It’s getting pretty bad out there.”
“I know. Nora’s out in it. Pippy slipped outside, and she went after her.”
“What? Which way did she go?”
“I’m going after her.” Maddy grabbed her tennis shoes from the closet and sank onto the stairs to put them on.
“Let me go.”
“She’s my sister. I have to do something.”
“There’s no need for both of us to go. And I know the area better than you.”
Gram entered from the kitchen, giving Connor a warm hug. “Thank God you’re here.”
