Page 112 of Falling for Brody

Once Chip hit the ground, he scrambled up on his feet to run away.

"Come back here you little shit."

The man grabbed his shirt and Chip turned his head, sinking his teeth into his hand.

"Ow!" The man hissed and shook.

Chip took off running for the woods behind the house.

And he kept running until he was good and truly lost.

* * *

Brody was ridingin the Rig with his cousin when he heard the call come in.

"Rachel? What's going on? I'm working."

"I know, Brody. I've already called Gabriel."

"Gabriel?" He turned to look at Joshua who was riding shotgun. "What?"

The radio flared to life. "Brody? This is Gabriel. Get over to the Hardy house, Missus Hardy has been hurt. I'll be there in a minute."

On the phone, Rachel called out. "I'm here with her now. She's unconscious, Brody."

His heart twisted in his chest and his stomach was in his throat.

"Chip's missing, Brody. I can't find him in the house."

"Shit."

Joshua reached over and flicked the switch for lights and sirens. "Floor it."

Brody's foot was already pushed down. "I wasn't asking permission."

Joshua nodded. "Let's get there."

"Oh, we will."

Joshua reached up to grab the handle above the window. "We need to call Rhea."

Brody felt that in his whole heart. "She hasn't answered any of my texts today."

The hit the corner like it was on a rail and Joshua ground out a few a words. "She was called into court today. Last minute."

Brody nodded. "Okay. They can't use phones in the courtroom." A quick look at the phone told him the time. "She's likely done by now, can you call her?"

Joshua took out his phone and called.

Brody turned onto the street and saw Rachel's car at the curb.

He looked at Joshua. "Stay on the phone. Tell her... Tell her that we're going to find Chip. I'll help Rachel with Missus Hardy."

* * *

Rhea staredat the phone in her hand as she sat in the restaurant. She could feel Keely shifting beside her on a chair, dialing her phone.

"What did you say, Joshua?"

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