Page 34 of Hell and High Water

“Right. Which is why Evan has been knee-deep in favors, trying everything he can to keep the governing types here, from pulling out and bailing on the regular folk. He’s calling in favors, too, to help keep people employed, businesses running. It hides the fact that things aren’t normal, for the average populace, at least.”

“So, no riots yet. That’s good.”

“That’s what we’re calling good these days?” I ask, my shoulders slumping. “A girl goes comatose for a week and everything goes to shit.”

“It gets worse, if that makes you feel any better!”

“Why would that make me feel better?”

“I don’t know. Keeps hope alive that things keep changing, so they could totally bounce back!”

“Ever the optimist!” I quip, burying my head on his shoulder.

“So, what’s the bad news?” Gavin interrupts, leaning his elbows on his knees.

“My dad’s missing.”

“The mayor's missing?” He stares blankly at Tell for a second. “Shit, sorry. I mean, your dad. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m less torn up about the fact that my dad’s gone than the leader and face of the town vanishing into thin air,” Tell admits, running a hand through his hair. “Helps that I found out my mom and sis got out of town before that, so I think they’re safe, at least.”

“I’m so sorry, Tell. How could they not let you know?” I ask, looking up into those striking green eyes.

“Eh. Not that surprising. Tyler Jr. is a shut-in. They probably figured I’d panic or refuse to go, anyway. Or maybe my dad thought he would be able to contact me, have me help hack some computer shit for him. Or maybe they just didn’t trust me. Just speculating, though.”

“So you think someone took him?”

“Unless it’s a cover story and he left with my family, there’s no way Tyler Vanderberg just disappeared. He’s too proud for that. He’d put up a fight, let someone know something.”

“You’re sure?”

“Oh, yeah, and his safe was still full of money. No way he’d leave that.”

I squeeze Tell’s hand, basking in his warmth.

Looking over at Gavin, I realize that he's dressed to shoot, his boots on. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Yeah, I've gotta head into town for a few things, and then I need to go meet Evan.” Gavin holds up one of the new cellphones that Tell left on the coffee table. “Apparently, he found some place he wants me to go check out with him.”

“He said he found something after I left the other day, but I’ve been all over town trying to find out news about my folks. Did he say what?”

“It’s Evan,” Gavin says flatly, tossing up his hands.

“Of course he didn’t.”

“Can I come?” I ask, perking up.

“Hellena.”

“Come on! I've been stuck in this house for days. I'm going nuts.”

Tell grimaces. I can see that he wants to agree with Gavin. “I know. I promise, we'll… we'll see about getting you out of here soon. But you know, we still don't know who the shooter is. They could still be out there waiting for you to show up in Sanctum.”

“So, I'm supposed to just stay here, living in fear? That's why I have you guys to protect me. Big, strong men.” I gesture to each of them in turn.

“Big, strong men aside, you need to heal. And I'd like to spend a little more time training you, if possible.”

“I can help with that,” Tell chimes in. “There’s a few things I thought of that you can really benefit from.”

---