Page 35 of Kian

“What’s wrong?”

“I parked my truck around here. I remember that cliff across the road. I walked from here.”

“I wonder where it is?” Gretchen asked.

“That’s a damn good question.” Kian got off the ATV and walked along the berm, searching for any signs of his truck. Any tire tracks had long been covered by snow, leaving no trace. “I don’t understand. What could they have done with it?”

“It’s probably where your gun, jacket, ID, andStetsonare,” she teased.

He turned to her with a playful smirk. “You’re enjoying teasing me about my hat.”

“I’m sorry,” she chuckled, “it just seemed like that was the only thing you were really stressing about.”

He shook his head with a small smile. “It’s not, but it was a damn good hat,” he winked, making her laugh.

“I’m sure once you’re able to get back to town, you can get a new one.”

“Oh, I definitely will. It was black felt with a black leather band around it,” he sighed, the air forming into a cloud with his breath. “Let’s head back. I’ll have my brother get with the sheriff in Clifton and get an APB put on the truck. Maybe someone stole it. They could have seen it sitting here for a while and decided to take it.”

“That’s very possible,” Gretchen agreed.

“Is this the road you use to get into town?”

“Yes. The cabin is about a half mile from this road, down that way,” she said, pointing to the left.

“I see. This is Gatlin Road?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Just making sure. I know this is where I parked my truck.”

Kian climbed back onto the ATV and started the engine, turning back in the direction they came from. But before crossing the creek again, he stopped and turned off the engine. He got off and turned to Gretchen.

“Could I have your phone?” he asked, holding out his hand.

She pulled her phone out of her pocket and handed it to him. Kian dialed his brother’s number, his voice was shaky and emotional as he talked with his brother for a few minutes, updating him about his truck and getting his mother’s number. Then he called her cellphone.

When she answered, he struggled to speak, shook his head, and handed the phone to Gretchen. She took it from him and spoke into it.

“Uh, Mrs. Doyle? This is Gretchen Casteel; Kian is here with me.” She glanced at him before continuing, “He’s really emotional right now and having trouble getting any words out.”

“I see,” Gretchen replied, “yes, I’ll tell him that. He loves you both.”

“Could you give me the phone?” His hand shook as he took the phone from Gretchen and held it up to his ear. “Mom? I love you and Dad,” he choked out.

“Oh sweetheart,” his mother’s voice came through full of emotion, “we love you too. We’re just so relieved you’re alright. I’m so grateful that Gretchen found you. Please tell her she’s welcome to dinner anytime.”

He could hear the tears in his mother’s voice as she spoke.

“I will,” he promised, “I’ll call again soon. We’re going to head back to the cabin now.”

“Kian? We will see you soon, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied with a shaky breath.

When she hung up, Kian handed the phone back to Gretchen and let out a heavy sigh.

“Thank you,” he said.

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