Page 1 of The Search

1

Barat, Turkey

June 11

“Get out of there, Sarah,” Boyd yelled from outside the house. “That wall is going to tumble any minute.”

“Monty’s found something.” Sarah carefully moved over to the pile of rubble where the golden retriever was standing. “Be still, boy. Be very still.”

Child?

“How do I know?” Monty always hoped it would be a child. He loved kids and all these lost and hurt children nearly killed him. They nearly killed her too, Sarah thought wearily. Finding the children and the old people was always the most painful. So few survived these catastrophes. The earth trembled and the walls fell and life was snuffed out as if it had never been.

Out.

“You’re sure?”

Out.

“Okay.” She absently patted Monty’s head as she gazed at the rubble. The second story of the small house had caved in, and chances of anyone being alive beneath the wreckage were minimal. She could hear no groans or weeping. It wouldn’t be responsible of her to bring anyone else from the search and rescue team into the building. She should get out herself.

Child?

What the hell? Stop wasting time. She knew she wasn’t going to leave until she investigated more closely. She reached for a stool and tossed it aside. “Go to Boyd, Monty.”

The retriever sat down and looked at her.

“I keep telling you that you’re supposed to be a professional. That means you obey orders, dammit.”

Wait.

She tossed a cushion to one side and tugged at the easy chair. Jesus, it was heavy. “You can’t help me now.”

Wait.

“Get out of there, Sarah,” Boyd yelled. “That’s an order. It’s been four days. You know you probably won’t find anyone alive.”

“We found that man in Tegucigalpa alive after twelve days. Call Monty, will you, Boyd?”

“Monty!”

Monty didn’t move. She hadn’t thought he would, but there was always a chance. “Stupid dog.”

Wait.

“If you’re going to stay there, I’m coming in to help you,” Boyd said.

“No, I’ll be out in a minute.” Sarah glanced warily at the south wall, then tugged at the mattress until she got it to one side. “I’m just looking around.”

“I’ll give you three minutes.”

Three minutes.

She pulled frantically at the carved headboard.

Monty whined.

“Shh.” She finally heaved the headboard to one side.