Page 6 of In Pursuit of the Truth

“Yep, appreciate it, Durant.” Nate gave her a quick hug as well. “Try to stay out of trouble.”

“Oh, you know it always has a way of finding me.” Jenny grinned. “See you guys later.”

Jenny’s squad car drove away, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.

Nate nodded toward his truck. “Let’s get Poppy set up, and then I’ll take another drive to see if I can spot Pansy and Petunia.”

Seth made sure there was plenty of hay in Poppy’s new temporary residence. Jordan helped Bailey fill up the water trough while Nate retrieved the goat and carried her into the stable.

The poor thing looked drowsy, and the white bandageon her leg reminded Bailey how lucky the little goat was to be safe and taken care of.

Regular visitors would miss the chance to pet the goat trio when the farm opened to the public tomorrow and Saturday. She made a mental note to print out flyers asking visitors to keep an eye out for the other two. It certainly couldn’t hurt.

Seth was petting Poppy through the slats in the pen. He half-turned. “Mom? Can I help you give her the medicine tomorrow?”

“Of course.” Bailey ruffled his hair. “I would really appreciate that.”

He nodded and turned his attention back to the goat.

“You boys keep an eye on Poppy. I’ll be right back.” Bailey motioned for Nate to follow her outside. Once they were out of earshot, she leaned against the edge of the barn. “I really hope we find the other goats. I can’t help but worry that, if they wandered far, they may not have survived the night.” The thought of the little animals suffering at the teeth of a predator had tears stinging the back of her eyes.

“The possibility occurred to me, too.” Nate started to say something else and stopped.

Bailey’s eyes narrowed. “What is it?”

“Whoever destroyed the gate might have stolen them, and Poppy was the only one who managed to get away. The goats are small enough. It wouldn’t be difficult to lead them to the fence and lift them over.”

She wasn’t sure which possibility bothered her more. “But if the purpose was to steal the goats, then why destroy the gate in the first place?”

Nate crossed his arms in front of him and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “We may never know.”He studied her face. “Are you going to be okay here today? Or tonight?”

“I have to be. This is our home. I’m not going to let someone make me feel like I can’t stay here.” Bailey shrugged, hoping the motion came off as casual.

Nate clearly saw right through her. His arms lowered, and he took a step closer. “Don’t hesitate to call me if something else happens.”

“We’ll be fine.”

“I’m serious, Bailey. If you don’t call me, then call Jenny.”

“Yeah. I will.” She was suddenly aware of how close he stood. She looked down at the ground where the toes of their shoes were mere inches apart.

Warmth seeped into her chest and spread straight to her heart. She immediately squelched the response and mentally chided herself.

Ridiculous. Between the stress of the day and wishing that Joe was there with them, it was no wonder her emotions were all over the place.

Nate was an amazing friend who didn’t have to step in and help his best friend’s wife, but he did it anyway. She and the boys were lucky to have him in their corner.

Chapter Four

What Bailey really needed was a calm afternoon followed by an uneventful evening so she could get a decent night’s sleep. Instead, she’d had a difficult time falling asleep, only to be awakened an hour later by a thunderstorm rolling through. There was no tornado activity, but the lightning and thunder were enough to keep her awake. How the boys slept through all that noise, she’d never know.

Once the storm passed, she kept hearing noises outside; her imagination kept playing tricks on her. She’d close her eyes and picture someone sneaking around outside the house. Finally, she checked the windows to make sure they were locked and saw where the rain was dripping onto the windowsill, causing the sounds she’d heard.

It was nearly four in the morning before she finally fell asleep again. The six o’clock alarm sounded way sooner than she was ready for. Two cups of coffee later, and at least she could pretend to feel human again.

“I don’t see them anywhere.” Seth’s voice was laced with disappointment and worry.

Bailey’s heart clenched at the sound. They had taken care of Poppy and made sure she was medicated and set for the morning. They’d also fed the ducks and finished their morning chores. Now, they were driving around hoping to spot Pansy and Petunia before opening the country store.

---