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Her phone rang and she answered it, listening to her father’s hurried words. “I’m with Rick now. Do you need him?”
“Yes, I think we might...”
“Okay, we’re almost home. I’ll call you when we get there.”
“Right you are. Look for the flare, honey...”
“Yep. Stay safe, Dad.”
Fleur ended the call. Rick had already slowed the car and was looking at her questioningly.
“That was my dad. One of the students was over at our place this afternoon, and stayed there while Dad went to collect the others. While Dad was out, Simon went outside to take some photographs. He said he’d be back in half an hour but he didn’t return. They’ve called him but he’s not answering his phone.”
“And they’ve sent out a search party?”
“Yes. He might just have lost track of time, but Simon’s from the city, so he’s not really used to these conditions. They’ll send up a flare if they find him. Blue if everything’s okay, and red if they need help.”
“Okay. Just as well we came prepared.” Rick’s mouth formed a firm, thin line as he started the SUV’s engine again.
They drove along Main Street and turned off toward the harbor. There were a few people out and about, drawn onto the sidewalk by the majesty of the storm, but keeping close to home. Fleur could see the lights from her parents’ house up ahead.
Suddenly a red flare shot up into the sky.
“I see it.” Rick had clearly been on the lookout as well. “How do we get there?”
“It’s coming from beyond our place... Inland a little, I think...”
“All right. I’ll drop you off.”
Like hell he would. “I’m coming with you.”
“I’d prefer it if you were at home.”
“Forget it, Rick. You need me to help you find them. Anyway, you’re not used to these conditions either.” Fleur wondered whether he’d stop the SUV outside her parents’ house and refuse to move until she got out of it. That would be precious moments spent arguing.
“All right, you have a point.” He gave in so suddenly that Fleur raised her eyebrows in surprise. “But be careful, eh?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m not about to undo all the work we’ve done...”
She directed him past the house, away from the harbor, dialing her father’s number as they went and telling him that they w
ere on their way. Fleur kept the line open as they drove through the blinding snow, listening to her father’s shouted instructions. The storm had become fiercer again, and even she was beginning to become disoriented.
“Send up another flare, Dad. We’re nearly there...” There was a pause and another flare shot upwards, much closer now. “Okay, I’ve got you. We won’t be long.”
She turned to Rick. “Dad says he’s coming to meet us. Look out for a red distress lantern by the side of the road.”
They drove in silence, and Fleur leaned forward in her seat, straining to see the glow of the lantern. “There... I see it!”
Rick nodded. “No point in telling you to stay in the car, I imagine...”
“None.”
Her father was standing next to a small car, which was almost completely covered by snow, waving the lantern above his head. Rick drew up next to him and got out of the SUV, and Fleur slid across to the driver’s side, following him.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Her father shot Fleur a sidelong scowl. Apparently he was only glad to see Rick, and he’d prefer it if Fleur was safely at home. He’d get over it.
“How is he?” Rick swung the tailgate of the SUV open, pulling out his medical bag.
