Page 160 of Peaks and Promises

I turned back to the server. “Have you been here since you opened this morning?”

“Yeah.”

“Did you happen to see this kid?” I held up my phone, open to a picture of Nate, as Summer leaned forward in hopeful anticipation. “He’s ten, but tall for his age. Would have been with a man in his thirties. They might have stopped in for an early breakfast.”

He leaned in to look. “No. I don’t think so.”

Summer collapsed back against the booth and let out a frustrated breath.

I set my phone on the table. “He’s missing, so if you do happen to see him, call the police.”

“Wow, yeah. I will.”

“Do you happen to know anyone with the name Gunderson?” Summer asked.

“I don’t think so. But I’m not from around here. I’ve only been in town a few months.”

I tried not to roll my eyes. Of course we ended up with a server who wasn’t local.

“My manager has lived here his entire life, though. Do you want me to ask him?”

“That would be so great,” Summer said. “Thank you.”

“Sure, no problem. I’ll get your order in and be right back.”

The server left and Summer shook her head.

“This is a nightmare,” she said. “There can’t be more than fifteen hundred people in this town, but what are we supposed to do? Knock on doors?”

“We’re going to find him.” I reached across the table and took her hands. “No matter what happens today or tomorrow or the next day, Axel will not win. I’ll do whatever it takes. Doesn’t matter. I will not stop until we get Nate back. That’s a promise.”

Nodding, she squeezed my hands. I squeezed back.

A middle-aged man with a short-sleeve button-down shirt approached our table.

“Hi, folks. Welcome to Big Timber. I’m Andy, the manager. What can I do for you?”

“Our son is missing.” I held up the picture again. “Doesn’t sound like he’s been in, but we were wondering if you know anyone in the area by the name of Gunderson.”

“That’s terrible. I’m sorry to hear that. Let’s see…Gunderson.” Crossing his arms, he tapped his chin a few times. “Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“What about someone who lives outside town. Probably alone. I’m guessing in his fifties or sixties, maybe. Do you know anyone like that?”

“Well, there’s lots of folks like that in these parts. Plenty of people come here for the big sky, and even more for the big land. Plenty of space—room to be left alone.” He paused again. “There’s a guy up north who probably fits that description. He keeps to himself, so I don’t know much about him. Not even sure exactly where he lives. Then there’s Hugh Robbins. Fishing enthusiast, lives northeast of town. There’s another guy, lives south of here, off-grid. But he’s got a family. Not sure if that fits who you’re looking for. And there’s a few guys who have a place a bit west of here. Hunting guides. I think they have some cabins, but I’m not sure if they live here year-round or not.”

“Thanks.” I kept my voice even so my frustration wouldn’t show. “Appreciate the info.”

“Sorry I can’t be of more help. Your breakfast should be out in a minute.” With a friendly smile, he left.

Summer slid across the booth seat and stood. “I should use the bathroom while we’re here.”

Maybe it was overkill, but I didn’t like the idea of her leaving my sight. “I’ll go, too.”

I followed her toward the back of the restaurant where the restrooms were located down a short hallway. There were two, both unisex with a single stall. It wasn’t that I actually expected to find Nate hiding out awaiting rescue, but I still felt a slight wave of disappointment when he wasn’t.

Our food arrived shortly after we returned to our booth. I checked my phone periodically as we ate, hoping for a message from Gunnar. There had to be a way to connect Axel—Aaron Gunderson—to his uncle in Big Timber. Even if they didn’t share a last name.

I finished quickly, barely tasting my food. It was just fuel. Summer picked at her bacon. The color had left her cheeks, and she cast angry glares out the window. I didn’t know who Axel needed to fear more. Me, Mayhem, or Summer.