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CHAPTERNINETEEN
Mike was the first to rouse the next morning. The three of them had crashed at Cassidy’s parents’ place after spending countless hours searching for their mate. They’d waited at the bus station until the one scheduled bus arrived, but unfortunately, Cassidy wasn’t on it. Not to be deterred, however, they returned to Thomas Ridge where they split up, walking around the town, hoping to spot her. They knew not to ask any questions, fearing a Kitchener might learn they were in town. By nightfall, they called it quits and returned to the Evan’s home.
Mindy had promised to call if Cassidy showed up, but they never heard from her. Mrs. Evans spoke with her mother in Idaho Falls, but Cassidy had been a no show there. He wasn’t surprised, though, since it would be a long trip.
“Coffee, gentlemen?” Mrs. Evans called from the kitchen.
Mike had heard her move about, but he hadn’t been ready to rise after a restless night. He shifted and then nudged the others, who also shifted into their human form.
“That would be great,” Mike responded.
He followed his nose. Last night, Mason had installed the software on Cassidy’s mom’s phone to prevent anyone from being able to trace any call. “No contact from Cassidy or anyone else asking about her, I trust?” he asked Mrs. Evans.
“No, but as soon as you’ve eaten, I’ll call my mom again. I’m thinking that Cassidy told Mom not to tell anyone where she was—including me.”
If Cassidy hadn’t revealed her location to her parents the first time, it made sense she’d want to keep it quiet the second time around. “I don’t suppose you know the health of Doug’s father? Mindy said he wasn't doing well.”
She shook her head. “We don’t interact with the Kitcheners if we can help it, though we do have to deal with them on occasion.”
“I wonder how Cassidy will learn when Doug’s father dies? Once he does, she might be free to return home.” Or return to Wildwood to be with Zach and him.
“I imagine there will be a big write up in the Thomas Ridge paper.”
"I imagine so." They'd written up Mindy's attack.
Zach and Mason came into the kitchen. “Have some coffee,” her mom said.
“You didn’t hear from Cassidy, I take it?” Zach asked.
“No, but I’m not surprised.”
“She has to be somewhere,” Zach said.
“I say we head to Idaho Falls. If nothing else, I can do a little skiing,” Mike said.
Zach dipped his head. “Seriously?”
“You want it to look legitimate. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cassidy went there thinking she could work at the fire station. She'll be convinced that Doug won't find her there.”
Zach looked over at Mason. “What do you think? You up for another road trip?”
“What choice do we have? Dad would have called if Cassidy had returned to Wildwood for some reason.”
Mike faced Cassidy’s mom. “Should your daughter or mother call, don’t let them know we’re on our way. Until we have a solid plan, we might stay in Idaho for a while.”
“My lips are sealed.”
He didn’t dare look at Zach or Mason. Zach might freak out if he had to stay away from the forest for that long, and Mason wouldn’t be happy since he had a company to run. Hopefully, they could handle taking off in a few more days.
After they thanked her parents, who promised to call should Cassidy show up, for their hospitality they left. It would be a long drive to Idaho, but it seemed like the best option.
“I’m calling Dad to let him know what’s going on,” Mason said once they were on the road.
“Ask him to contact Agatha and tell her I won’t be into work for a while. Hopefully, he can find someone to fill in while I’m looking for Cassidy.”
“Will do. Tawny was right when she suggested I needed an assistant. It’s times like these that I wish I had one.”
“You did have one,” Zach said. “Remember?”
