Page 53 of Carver’s Craving

“I appreciate that.”

When we arrived by the couch, I gestured to the recliner. “Unless you want to sit on the couch with the dogs.” By then, Poppin had leapt up on the opposite side from Walter—almost like she knew that not only would I drop into the middle space, but that I’d need the support.

Seth sat. Well, perched. He pulled out an old-fashioned notebook.

I dropped onto the couch—mindful of the dogs.

Walter shifted, then put his snout on my thigh.

Not to be outdone, Poppin leaned against my other side.

Seth grinned. “I’d say you’re adored.”

“Yeah.” My laugh was a little forced. “I’ve only been here a couple of days. But they’re very protective. Or using me as protection.”

The police officer eyed Poppin. “I think she’s protecting you. It’s adorable.” He tapped his pen on the notebook. “What’s up? Dispatch said you wanted to report a missing person.”

“Yeah. That. I…am not sure where to start.”

“I always suggest from the beginning.”

So I did. Well, from the moment we left Oshawa. This guy didn’t need to know the reason. Because as fucked up as all this was, I didn’t believe Baxter had taken off because of Frank’s death.

When I finished. Seth nodded. “So he’s done this before, but never for this length of time.”

I nodded. “And never where I’d be in a precarious position. He knows I don’t have a lot of cash. That I was relying on him and I have important stuff still in the van. He’s not usually this irresponsible.”

“He’s on social media?” Seth searched on his phone. “This most recent photo—is that how he looks now?” He leaned forward to show me his phone.

“Yeah. Sometimes he changes his hairstyle, but it’s shaved right now. Or was on Friday. God, was it only Friday?”

“According to you, yes. You said you stayed in The Grand Hotel on Friday night and you’ve been here ever since. You haven’t been out of cell range and you haven’t missed any calls.”

“Nope. My phone bill’s been paid.”

“And you’ve left numerous messages for Baxter.”

“Voicemails and texts. The messages show as unread.” My gut clenched. “I’m worried. And I’m not a worrier. But we’re in a new province. We have, had, a broken-down van. Hell, I didn’t even ask the garage if my guitar was still in the van. With an amount owing on it, though, I suspect I won’t be able to get it back until the bill’s paid.” I rubbed my forehead. “This is just such a mess.”

Seth smiled. “Reporting him missing is a good start. I’ll circulate the photo to the other officers to see if anyone knows anything. I’ll also check with the local hospitals. Standard things. If nothing turns up, we’ll look at other options.”

“Like going public?”

“That’s possible. That won’t be my call, though. Going public is always tricky, and we usually don’t do it for adults unless we suspect they might be endangered. But rest assured our best will be working on this.”

I scratched my jaw. Should’ve shaved. “I appreciate that. Is there anything else?”

He shook his head.

“I should see you out.”

He cocked his head. “You look comfortable—although you might want to lock the door after me. It’s relatively safe neighborhood, but one can never be too careful.”

I chuckled. “Well, it’s not like anyone’s getting in here without me noticing.”

“That’s true. Look, I’ll call at the end of the day.” He rose and removed a card from his wallet. “If you think of anything else, just give me a call.” He handed me the card.

I fingered it. “This feels surreal. Uh, I’ll see you out.” I moved with him to the door. “Thanks.”