Page 92 of The Search

Howling.

Logan’s eyes flicked open.

It had to be Maggie.

And Sarah was no longer beside him.

He tossed the sheet aside. “Sarah! What’s wrong with Maggie?”

No answer.

He went cold. “Christ.” He ran out of the bedroom. “Sarah!”

She wasn’t in the living room.

The porch.

No one was on the porch but Maggie. No Monty. No Sarah. Maggie gave him a baleful glance, then lifted her head and gave another mournful howl.

Where the devil was Sarah?

Don’t panic. He doubted that she’d taken Monty for a run. He’d dress, go check to make sure the jeep was still there, and if it wasn’t, he’d go after them.

He saw the note on the kitchen counter on his way to the bedroom.

Logan,

I got a call from Helen Peabody. They need Monty and me for a water-search job. It’s local, so I should be back tonight or tomorrow. You take care of Maggie.

Sarah

Shit.

He punched in Franklin’s number. “Sarah’s left the cabin.”

“I know. About thirty minutes ago.”

“Did you have her followed?”

“You’ve got to be kidding. Galen told me he’d have my ass if we slipped up on this one. Smith’s tailing her. She’s on Highway 60 heading east. There’s no one following her.”

Relief surged through Logan. “Good. Tell Smith not to lose her.” He hung up.

It could be all right. The call had come from Peabody, someone she knew and trusted.

And it could be a trap.

He dialed Margaret. “Get Helen Peabody, Tucson Search and Rescue, on the line. I need information. Make her cooperate any way you have to.” He went into the bedroom and threw on his clothes. The phone rang as he was buttoning his shirt.

“Helen Peabody,” Margaret said as she patched him through.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Ms. Peabody, but I need your help.”

“Certainly. How do you do, Mr. Logan? I want to thank you for your help in getting our group to Taiwan. And now Ms. Wilson said Sarah had persuaded you to make a donation to our organization. I’m sure you’re aware how desperately we need it.”

“Sarah was very convincing. But she left before we were able to finalize the donation. I believe she talked to you before she ran out the door.”

“I’m sorry, but Monty is the only dog in our group who does water search. I didn’t like to bother Sarah since she just returned from Taiwan, but when Sergeant Chavez called, I gave in. It shouldn’t take more than a day or two. But I could discuss the contribution with you. Actually, it’s really my job. Sarah is in the field.”