“But, I, um, can’t find my brother. Have you seen him? Tall guy, wearing a gray shirt and jeans.”
“He left the group about half an hour ago. I saw one of the young women at the front of the tour go with him.”
Shit.
He left me. For real. To chase ass.
I resist the urge to sigh and overshare about my brother. “Thank you.”
“Have a wonderful evening.”
I’m the last person to leave the Mayfield Inn, and the door shuts behind me. I hear the lock click into place and pull out my phone, glancing at the time. It’s nearly three a.m.
I don’t have much choice left. Standing outside a haunted hotel in the middle of the night, unable to get inside, isn’t smart. I hear a howl in the cornfields and sprint toward my car. I don’t hesitate to pop the locks and slide behind the wheel, pressing the auto lock button as soon as I’m inside.
My gaze sweeps the hotel and then the cornfields. I swear I see two burning red eyes watching me. It’s all the motivation I need to start the ignition and speed away.
By the time I reach the Hanging Tree Dead & Breakfast, I’m twitchy, exhausted, and ready for bed. I don’t breathe easier until I’m in my room. Thad and I decided to share one with two queen-size beds since it saved us money.
I notice his suitcase is still closed on top of the comforter. He’s not come back and probably won’t if he’s getting laid. I won’t see him until he decides to show up, probably late into the morning. He’s a habitually late sleeper.
It doesn’t take long to get ready for bed, and I’m closing my eyes, sinking beneath the covers in only minutes. A yawn escapes. I don’t remember anything else after that.
THAD STILL ISN’T ANSWERINGhis phone. He’s not come back to the hotel, sent a text, or left any messages. I checked with the reception desk. No correspondence.
It’s nearly two in the afternoon. This isn’t like Thad. He wouldn’t worry me this way, knowing I’d get anxious. He’s called me more than once from a girl’s house or a buddy’s to let me know he’s okay, even in the middle of the night.
Something is wrong.
I pick up my keys and purse and leave the Hanging Tree after asking at the reception desk where to find the police station. It’s not a huge surprise to learn there’s a sheriff’s office and not much else. With a population this small, there’s no need for more law enforcement.
This situation with my brother isn’t making any sense as I drive to the center of town. It’s not far, and I reach my destination quickly. My mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts as I park.
Where the hell did Thad go? Did he need to hook up with a stranger that badly? Why wasn’t he answering his phone?
The door to the sheriff’s office is open wide, and I enter, lifting off my sunglasses as I scan the interior. It’s a small space but tidy with several desks, a reception area, and a big office in the back that I’m guessing belongs to the sheriff. There’s a flag on a pole in the corner and a big bulletin board with fliers about missing people or animals, maps of the area, and a community safety alert about brush fires. There are two doors open on the left side of the room. A glance reveals a small area with a table and two chairs while the other appears to be a break room with a coffee station, table, several chairs, and a fridge.
A receptionist greets me as I approach. “Hey, there. What can I do for ya?”
“Hi. I just arrived in Raven’s Crest yesterday.”
“Welcome to town!” She’s an older woman with graying hair at her temples and purple-rimmed glasses. Her smile is genuine and friendly.
“Thanks.” I pause and clear my throat. “I need to file a missing person report.”
“Missing person? Who might that be?”
It’s not the receptionist who answers me. The voice belongs to a ruggedly handsome man with full sleeves of dark ink on his exposed arms and caramel-colored eyes. He’s clean-shaven with dark hair that’s kept short on the sides and longer on the top. His brows pull together in what I assume is concern as I answer him.
“My brother. We were part of the group that toured Mayfield Inn last night.”
The sheriff nods. I see a nameplate on his uniform that reads “Landry Madden.” He gestures for me to follow him into a private room, and I take a seat as he pokes his head out. “Mary, hold down the fort for me. Let anyone who calls know I’ll get back with them soon.”
“Of course, Boomer.”
He closes the door and sits across from me.
“Boomer?” I ask, wondering if it’s a nickname.
