Page 84 of Call It Love

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him for a couple of days. Thought maybe you gave him some time off.”

My gut tightened.

I’d left before sunrise yesterday morning to consult on a large-scale construction project a couple of hours away. It had been worth my time, as it had the potential to be a highly lucrative contract, and I wanted to give them my personal attention. I didn’t get back until late. If Jordan hadn’t shown, I wouldn’t have noticed.

Concern settled in my chest.

Just as I predicted, I found Anna in the bunkhouse, getting food laid out.

I greeted her with a quick kiss. “Have you seen Jordan?”

Her brow furrowed. “No. But it’s the weekend, so he usually isn’t here. Why?”

“He mentioned he wanted to help you,” I said casually. “No big deal. Just thought I’d ask.” Maybe I was worrying about nothing. “Did you happen to talk to him yesterday?”

“No, but I was on the phone all morning. I left a note for Jordan telling him about the breakfast plate I left for him in the bunkhouse. It was gone when I set out self-serve cold cuts and bread for lunch. The plate and all of the food were gone when I went out this morning to make more for the cleanup crew. I assumed Jordan had gotten it.”

I didn’t want to worry her, so I kissed her forehead and kept my tone light. “I’m sure he did. And hey, everything looks great at the barn. You did a hell of a job organizing it.”

Her smile warmed. “Thank you. I can’t believe how many people came out to help.”

I was relieved that the change in topic worked. “This town is good at showing up when it matters. The money your efforts will raise is going to make it easier for them to keep showing up.”

She waved me off with a playful shoo of her hands. “Now, get out of my way so I can feed all of those people.”

I chuckled and gave her one more quick kiss because I couldn’t help myself before stepping out of the way. But my concern for Jordan remained.

Where was he?

The kid wasn’t the most talkative, but he’d been steady. He seemed more settled than when I first met him. And even in his somewhat surly way, if he agreed to do something, he kept his word, especially if it involved Anna. Like her project today.

I reached for my phone to text him, only to remember he didn’t have a phone. A rarity these days, but given how his family didn’t seem to provide more than the absolute necessities, it wasn’t a surprise they didn’t give him a phone. Which meant if something was wrong, we wouldn’t know.

I pulled out my phone again, this time scrolling for Reid’s number, knowing he was on duty today.

He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, man. Before you say anything, I already feel guilty for not being there. I promise I’ll pull extra duty helping to clean up after the dance. Or setting up. Just name it.”

I let out a small laugh despite the tension I was feeling. “We’ll definitely take you up on one of those. Probably both. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

His tone shifted immediately. “What’s wrong? Is it Bristol?”

“No. She’s perfectly fine. Attitude is in place and everything.”

“Oh, good.” I heard the relief in his voice. “Then what’s up?”

“You seen Jordan lately?”

“Why? Has he done something wrong?”

I hated the suspicion in his voice. “Nah. Not here, at least. But no one has seen him yesterday or today. He said he’d be here. He doesn’t have a phone, so I can’t check on him. Just wondered if you know…well, if he’s gotten into any trouble or anything.”

Reid was quiet for a few seconds. “I haven’t heard about any trouble. Maybe he’s just skipping out on you? He’s about worked off what he owes.”

“I don’t think that’s it. I don’t know what to call it other than a gut feeling, and I hope I’m wrong, but something feels off. Again.”

“Want me to swing by his house and check on him?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. I hated to ask for the favor, but I couldn’t ignore my gut. “If you don’t mind. I can’t leave right now, or I would go. But if somethingisgoing on, you’ve got the badge to back you up.”

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