"Say no more. I'm packing up my things and heading over there now."
"Okay. Thanks, Cole."
"Payton?"
"Yes."
"We're going to find him. Everything will be fine."
"Thank you, Cole. That's exactly what I needed to hear."
"Okay, I'll be there soon. Love you."
"Love you too."
Cole
"Lexi, I'm afraid I have to head out early today. I have an emergency that I have to tend to."
"Is everything alright?"
"Hopefully, it will be."
"Does it have to do with Emmie or your mother? I can go with you if you need help."
"Thank you, but they're fine. It's actually an emergency with Payton's family."
"Oh."
I gathered my tools while bringing Lexi up to speed.
"No need to worry. Please tell your mother that she's in good hands. The crew has everything they need. They'll continue working until the end of the day to keep everything on schedule, and I'll be back in the morning."
"It's awfully nice of you to drop everything at a moment’s notice for the Matthews."
"Yeah, it's the least I can do. Payton means a lot to me."
I grabbed a few more items.
"That's interesting. I didn't think you two were serious. She doesn't seem like the type of woman you would choose for yourself or for Emmie."
"What makes you say that?"
"Stability. It's no secret that her ex has tried to get her back several times. If she gives in because they have a history together, I'd hate for you and Emmie to get hurt."
"That sounds a bit outlandish, don't you think?"
"Is it? I guess you would know best. The last thing Emmie needs in her life is drama. Of course, I'm not telling you something you don't already know."
I gathered all of my things and reached for the handle to the back door.
"The guys are outside working on the cabinets. I'm going to give them a heads up and then head out. If your mother needs anything, tell her to give me a call."
"I'll let her know. Drive safe."
"Thanks."
After filling the guys in, I threw my bags in the back of the pickup and started to head out. I'm sure Lexi meant well, but I never questioned Payton's intentions before now. Yeah, sure, she mentioned that her ex tried to get her back, but up until now, I dismissed it. Concerning Emmie, I've always worked hard to protect her heart after her mother's passing. That would forever remain a priority to me.
A call came in on my Bluetooth. "Hello?"
"Oh, good, I'm glad I caught you on the first try."
"Hi, Mom."
"Hi, dear. I wasn't sure if you'd be busy, but it sounds like you're driving."
"I am. I actually had to leave the job site and head over to the Matthews’ really quick."
"Is everything okay?"
"Hopefully, it will be. I'll know more when I get over there. It appears as though William left the house, and nobody knows where he is."
"Oh, no. Please let me know how everything turns out. I hope they find him soon."
"That makes two of us. Is everything okay with you and Emmie?"
"Yes, I was calling because I'm planning to take Emmie out for burgers later on, and we were wondering if you wanted us to bring something back for you?"
"Mom, did you let Emmie talk you into going out to eat?"
"Absolutely not. I promised I'd take her last week, and I'm not about to break my promise. I'm a grandmother of my word."
I shook my head and smiled at the thought of how much my mother spoils Emmie. Thankfully, she's a rather mature young lady and doesn't take advantage of it.
"Okay, well, you two enjoy. There's no telling what time I'm going to be home, so I'll pick up something on the way in."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm good, Mom. I'll be home as soon as we find Will."
"Okay, dear. Be careful."
"I will."
I drove the next several miles, thinking about what Lexi said to me. In the end, I knew Payton was a woman with good intentions, and Lexi was to be ignored.
By the time I arrived and shut off the engine, Payton and Abby were walking toward the house. I was prepared to do whatever it takes to help get Will home safe and sound.
Payton ran into my arms. I held her as tight as I could.
"Did you cover the whole area?" I said to Abby.
"We covered this entire street, and Payton walked down to the beach. We've literally been door-knocking, and no one has seen a thing. It doesn't make any sense. He has to be around here somewhere. You don't just disappear into thin air."
"I think we should call the police. They can cover more territory and do it a whole lot faster than us,” Payton said.
I agreed with her, but I was still determined to search as well.
"Why don't you two go ahead and call the police and wait at the house with your mother. I'm going to hop back in the truck and canvass the surrounding area."
Payton turned to Abby. "I'm going with Cole. Keep your cell phone nearby just in case."
"Okay," she agreed.
We buckled in and started driving down as many streets as we possibly could. Payton looked in between the houses, and when possible, I drove up to the other beach access points just to make sure we didn't miss anything.
"I just don't understand how this could happen. Dad never wanders off."
I wanted to tread carefully and be sensitive to the situation. But I wondered if this had anything to do with his dementia.
"Do you think he may have gotten a little…"
"Turned around or confused?" Payton was thinking along the same lines.
"Yes, of course, anything is possible," she said.
"However, if that's the case, this incident would be a first."
"Maybe we should check the places he would normally go. You know, like his favorite store or the library or someplace like that."
"On foot? That's quite a distance to travel on foot."
"I don't know, I'm just trying to cover
