Page 44 of Veil of Silence

Before Luke could say anything else, her phone vibrated in her hand. She glanced at the screen and winced.

It was her next patient.

She checked the time on her watch and frowned. She was already late.

With everything going on, she’d totally forgotten.

She looked back at Luke. “I’m sorry, but can you excuse me for a minute? I need to call work.”

“Of course. Go ahead.”

Nora stepped off the porch and called the home health office. She told her supervisor what was going on, and her supervisor told Nora to take the rest of the day off. Nora was thankful for such an understanding boss.

She ended the call just as another vehicle turned into the driveway.

Austin.

He parked behind one of the cruisers and climbed out. His gaze swept the yard before settling on Nora.

Something about seeing him brought another small measure of relief—which didn’t make any sense. But Nora didn’t have time to question the feeling right now.

He crossed toward her. “Any news?”

“Not yet.”

Luke hurried down the porch steps, and Nora gestured between them. “Sheriff Luke Wilder, this is Austin Donnelly. His father was the FBI agent who originally worked Christian’s case. He’s also FBI.”

Recognition flickered across Luke’s face. “You’re Jeff Donnelly’s son?”

Austin nodded somberly. “That’s right.”

“I’m sorry about your father. I only heard good things about him.”

“Thank you.”

They shook hands before Luke glanced between them. “I’m guessing Nora filled you in.”

“Enough to know Preston is missing.” Austin slipped his hands into his jacket pockets. “I’m not here in any official capacity.”

Luke gave a short nod. “Good to know.”

Austin pulled his father’s phone from his jacket and handed it to Luke. “This was in Dad’s motel room. I should have turned it over sooner.” He gave Luke the passcode. “His last call came in Wednesday at 11:42. Twenty-two seconds, from a number I couldn’t trace.”

Luke took the phone and nodded. “I’ll get it to the right people.”

Austin folded his arms. “No updates still on Mikey?”

“Not yet.” Luke’s tone was calm, certain.

Nora shifted. “You don’t think . . . ?” The rest of the question lodged in her throat.

Luke’s expression softened. He knew exactly what she meant.

She feared this missing child was connected to what had happened with Christian and Mason.

“Nora, everything we have right now points toward a domestic situation,” Luke said. “Custody problems. An angry ex. A child caught in the middle.”

She swallowed, fighting the emotions waging war inside her.