Page 35 of A Secret Promise

"Good afternoon," the older man greeted her in his usual booming tone.

"Thanks for making time for us," Vixen said gratefully.

"Rescues will always be our top priority."

Vixen noticed Dr. Small looking around his lab. "Is anything wrong?"

"Did I miss something? Shouldn't Light be here as well?"

"We left him on one of the perches," Sienna relayed.

Dr. Small frowned. "I was just out a minute ago..."

Vixen didn't wait to hear the rest of his words.

Oh God, please, no.

But it was just as she feared.

Light was gone.

No, no, no.

Panic threatened to consume her from within, and Vixen quickly squeezed her eyes shut.

I trust You, God.

No matter what.

I trust You.

Vixen opened her eyes, and it was like seeing the clinic with a fresh pair of eyes. The first thing that caught her attention was the clinic's front door, which she was absolutely sure had been closed earlier.

She dashed out of the clinic while hurriedly pulling upYouTubeon her phone. She had an entire playlist downloaded in advancefor emergencies like this, and as soon as lovebirds started chirping from her phone, Vixen began calling out to Light.

I trust You, God, I trust You, no matter what.

She surveyed her surroundings. Light would likely fly straight to...there.

The woods at the east side of the clinic would be a familiar sight to Light, and her heart started thudding as she broke into a run.

Help me, Father. Help me. Help me.

Despair tried to grab hold of her heart like a soul-sucking monster, but she refused to let go of hope and truth. She would keep looking for Light, no matter what. She would—-

Something suddenly flew down right in front of her.

The loud bird calls from her phone had done its job.

Oh God, oh God, oh God.

Light was now perched on her hand, and she quickly pinned his feet down to keep him from flying off. Light squawked in protest, but she didn't care.

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Vixen fell to her knees as she broke down in tears.

Seventeen

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