Yes, he decided as a gust of wind blew him that direction. He turned and began cutting a path between two tiny cottages. The wind was at his back now, pushing him. He leaned back to keep from being propelled forward. The strength of the wind worried him. Not only for Nora and Pippy, but also for himself.
He heard a loud crack but kept his head ducked against the driving force of the wind and rain. It wasn’t safe to be out here.
It was his last thought before a blow to the head knocked him sideways. He staggered, slumping to the ground. And then everything went dark.
Chapter 36
Maddy checked her phone for the dozenth time. She had to stop doing that. She was already down to 20 percent power with no way to recharge. Her car charger was locked in Nora’s car, and she’d taken her keys with her.
The home phone was useless, of course. Emma’s cell battery was already dead, and neither Connor nor Nora had Gram’s new number. Maddy was the only one they’d be able to reach. She was encouraged that they still had cell reception.
Something crashed against the side of the house, making Maddy jump.
“That can’t be good.” Emma’s attempt at levity fell flat.
“Where could they be?” Maddy said. “It’s been over an hour since Connor left.”
“Why don’t you try calling him again, dear?” Gram, her face aglow in candlelight, looked at Maddy.
Maddy opened her contacts and tapped on Connor’s number. The wind howled through the shutters, an eerie sound she was coming to hate.
The phone rang once. Twice. After the fourth ring, his voicemail kicked in. She’d already left one message, so she wouldn’t leave another. But she listened to his message, just the same. Just to hear his voice. Her heart rate doubled at the sweet sound of it.
God, please keep him safe. Keep Nora safe. Bring them home.
She ended the call. “No answer.”
“There’d be no way to hear it out there.” Gram looked toward the window.
“Or even feel it vibrate,” Emma said. “I’m sure he’s fine. They all are.” The quaver in her voice made the declaration sound more like a wish.
Maddy should’ve convinced Nora to stay home. As much as Maddy loved Pippy, she loved her sister even more. And Connor... Now he was in danger too.
“I can’t believe Nora went out in this,” Emma said.
Maddy took comfort in Emma’s tone. There was a softness not usually present when she spoke of Nora. “She knows how much Pippy means to you.”
Emma blinked rapidly. “What if something happens to her? After we argued, after... after everything that’s happened?”
“Have faith,” Gram said with a confidence Maddy envied. “It’s all in God’s hands.”
“Maybe they’ve taken shelter somewhere,” Emma said. “Surely they have.”
Maybe Nora had. But if Connor thought she was out there in this, he wouldn’t give up until he’d turned over every stone. But if Nora had taken shelter somewhere, wouldn’t she have called on a borrowed phone? She didn’t say the words aloud.
Gram stretched her hands out on the table, palms up. “Come on, girls, we need to pray.”
The sisters joined hands with their grandmother and bowed their heads.
“Lord, we’re grateful for Your many blessings. For Your comfort and Your peace and Your gracious mercy. Father, we pray for our dear ones: Nora and Connor and little Pippy. They’re lost in the storm and in need of Your loving care. God, we pray You’ll protect them and bring them home safely. Even in the midst of the storm give them peace and—”
A loud crash sounded. Maddy’s eyes snapped open. What now? It had come from the living room. She jumped from her chair and dashed toward the sound, the others on her heels.
Maddy stopped on the living room threshold, her flashlight’s beam focusing on a stilled figure. Nora stood dripping on the entry rug, the door wide open. Pippy was wet and shivering in the cradle of her arms.
“They’re back!” Emma said.
“Thank You, Jesus,” Gram breathed.
