“Where’s my son? And who is this guy?” Graham asked about the man dressed funny.
No one said a word.
“We have to go. We don’t have time for this now,” Rick said. “I’ll tell you on the way.”
Graham looked to Addy, Sam, and Clarisse. “What the hell’s going on? Where’s Bang?” he shouted.
Hunter said, “Tell him.”
Clarisse held her hands up. “Calm down.”
“No. No, I am not going to calm down. My daughter’s missing and so is my son and you guys are not telling me something, dammit.”
“He’s okay,” Clarisse said, then Clarisse amended. “We think he’s okay. We haven’t seen him yet.”
He saw her glance at the new guy with a wary expression.
“What does that mean? And who are you?” Graham asked, walking to him.
Rick said, “Graham…we’re losing time. Look, we’ll tell you on the way. We need to start searching. They could not have gone far but if we don’t start now, the odds get worse. Bang’s all right. I swear, Graham. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
Graham nodded. “Okay. Let’s go.” He looked around at the building, the torches that snuffed out on their own on the ground, and Paige. If it hadn’t been for her, he wouldn’t be alive now. Crazy, foolish girl, he thought. She caught his eyes and gave him a quick nod.
“I’m staying here with Cheryl,” she said to the group. “In case Tehya comes back. I’ll keep watch.”
“Wait, you can’t…” Rick said.
She cut him off. “I’ll do what I need to do. I don’t take orders from you. I’m not going with you guys farther west. Not with a child. That’s where they are. I have a radio. I’ll listen in. If Tehya shows up, I’ll let you know.” She pulled her rifle over one shoulder, took Cheryl by the hand and whistled. Both Scout and Sheriff trotted over to her.
Graham looked at Sheriff and then found Paige staring at him.
“Just for now, Graham. Let me take him, please. I’ll make sure you get him back, I promise.”
He had to find his children so Graham swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded.