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“I’er toto Garrett’s work and apartet there so I can try to get a handle on things”

“I want to go with you”

I closed my eyes I knew she would want to be a part of this But putting ether would only slow us down Crisis didn’t draw the doused on a flame until it was so out of control the fire couldn’t be put out I couldn’t let theht now

“I think you need to stay at the house in case Garrett calls or shows up,” I lied “Someone needs to stay in New Bern”

“Then your father can stay and you and I will go look for hiet a say

in this Put him on the phone I want to talk to him”

“No, Mo”

“I don’t care, Eet to decide to suddenly be a parent Put him on the phone”

My father glanced at me He knew she was upset He had predicted it He had tried to avoid it

“I’et to Garrett’s I will”

“I can’t sit here like this,” she pleaded “He doesn’t have a right to search for him while I stay at the house”

Sitting Waiting They were the actions that led to crazy The futility of hoping the phone would ring I kneould tear at her It would begin to corrode her sanity But there was so with my dad His lack of emotion His ability to move forhen everyone else was paralyzed with emotion—that ould help us find Garrett My et out of her oay I didn’t have another option

“Mo I said wouldn’tI chosein there I’ll call you soon We’re going to find him I love you”

I hung up and clasped the phone inShe usually called back within minutes, but a few miles later she still hadn’t tried

“Want to stop to get so?” Dad offered