Page 19 of Iona's Christmas
“We’d be there to assist the search. Do not tell me you don’t need more people,” I challenged. “You can tell everybody you met us heading out.”
“That would be… helpful,” Myers replied, choosing his words carefully.
“Everyone gear up. We’re going to find these kids,” I ordered.
Undertaker moved past me to get the men and women from church. I was relieved when he brought all but half of them back.
“Oracle needs to recover. I’m leaving Wisecrack with him to block his pain, as we might need Slasher with us,” he murmured, and I nodded.
“Did you tell them to keep Iona and Cécile up to date?”
“Cécile will be dialling and guiding you once we leave. She is focused on the children and had a strong connection, but we’d better not waste time,” Undertaker said softly.
I nodded an agreement.
“Myers, you know we’ve all got concealed licences?” I called out. He scowled but offered a chin lift. “We’ll take the shot if the kids are in danger. Otherwise, he’s all yours. Follow me, I’ll be the lead.”
“Why?” Myers demanded.
“What?”
“Why are you the lead? Why isn’t the person who found them in charge?”
“Because then I wouldn’t be protecting their identity. Work with me or don’t. It’s no skin off my nose because we’re going to find those kids. And you can be the damn hero or a zero. Choose wisely,” I said and headed out to my motorbike.
Most of the club had already assembled, and I looked around. It was a cold night; I could see my breathing in the air. Slasher was carrying his medical kit and extra blankets. Dynamo had a wrapped package on her bike, as did Bogeyman.
Once everyone was ready, I dialled Kosmic, who’d remained with Cécile and headed out. I was surprised at how clear Cécile’s directions were. Half an hour later, we were parking up and moving out in pairs. Myers came with me and Undertaker as Cécile kept up a steady chatter in my ear. Somehow, she’d completely locked onto the kids and could tell how close I was.
We walked into Camden Hills State Park. The father had taken them deep, but everyone was linked into my call, so we spread out and began searching quietly. Twenty minutes later, I heard a tiny voice.
“Hungry Daddy,” a little girl said.
“Shut up, Larisa,” Conway snapped.
Myers and I swapped glances, and he made motions with his hands, ordering me to go right. I nodded and gestured Undertaker to head further right.
A thin cry cut through the air, and we froze. That was the boy, and he didn’t sound too good.
“Chester’s hungry,” Larissa whimpered.
“Do you want me to smack you?” Conway yelled.
There was a soft moan and then silence. As we moved quietly forward, Larissa spoke again.
“Daddy, it’s cold.”
There was the sound of a smack, and Larissa began crying. Shit, Conway had hit her.
“Shut up!” he screamed at her.
“I want my mommy!” Larissa wailed.
“You’ll have to wait a long time. If you want another slap, keep on!” Conway snarled.
Anger rushed through me, and I spotted Conway in a small clearing. I pointed to my eyes and then forward, and Myers nodded.
Before either of us could act, Conway went flying through the air. He smashed into a tree, and I didn’t hesitate. Undertaker and I dashed ahead even as Myers cried ‘No’.