Page 209 of Ignite

CONAN

As I pull onto the gravel, Georgia’s head flicks up, and there’s fear in her eyes.

I’m absolutely livid, but I have to keep my cool. The last thing I need is Lily against me.

But I’m still pissed off. The one thing in the world Hallie needs right now is Bertie. And she lost him.

I slam the car door and approach her calmly.

“Hi,” I greet her.

She runs her fingers through her purple hair.

“Hi. Umm. You’re Conan?”

I give her a curt nod.

“Can you take me back to the exact place you last saw him? Do you know if Hallie ever takes him here?”

I glance down at her shaking fingers.

“Georgia. I’m not angry,” I lie.

“We just need to find him before it gets dark. Okay?”

She nods.

“I can’t believe he just ran.”

I close my eyes and take a breath.

“That is what dogs do.”

I can’t help myself.

“I know, but most of the time he’s so lazy. Just sleeping.”

I shake my head.

“Come on. Let’s just get in and start looking.”

I stride toward the gate and yank it open.

“Right, show me.”

I gesture for her to lead the way. We head off down a rough stone hill, water trickling beside me.

I scan the area. There are plenty of little animals he might have chased after.

Once we get to the flat ground, we weave through the trees until we end up next to a small pond.

“Here?” I ask.

“I was sitting here.” She points to the rock.

“Which way did he run?”

She points west.

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