Free Nearly Departed in Deadwood by Ann Charles Page B

saying ‘never.’”

          “When, then?”

          “I don’t know.” Not until the police had whoever was snatching up little girls locked up tight behind bars. There was no way in hell my daughter’s face was going to be on a Missing Girl flyer.

          “When will you know?” Addy pressed.

          “I need to meet Kelly’s parents first.” I wanted to find out what kind of counseling she’s had. While I felt sorry for the girl, allowing Addy to spend more than an hour alone with the sad-eyed waif made the hair on the back of my neck prickle.

          “This is where I found it, Mom.” Layne stood near the back corner of the square, brick garage.

          We spread out and searched the overgrown lawn for a nest.

          “Hey, Mom,” Layne called out. “Where does this door in the ground go to?”

          “What door?” I glanced his way.

          “Layne!” Addy yelled from behind the garage. “Come look at what I found.”

          Layne tromped out of sight. I followed.

          “It was sticking out of the dirt over there.” Addy was pointing toward the garage’s back wall as I rounded it.

          “What is it?” I asked.

          Addy held out a small, metal toy train engine. “I wonder how old it is.”

          I leaned closer. “Is there anything on the bottom?”

          Layne took it and flipped it over. The bottom was bare except for rust and patchy remnants of black paint.

          “Hello, Violet,” a familiar male voice said from behind me.

          My breath caught. I spun around, my face burning, very aware that I was sweaty, dusty, and trespassing with my two kids in tow. “Hi, Wolfgang.”

          Sunshine spotlighted his wind-ruffled hair and emphasized the hard lines of his cheekbones. His white, button-up shirt allowed a peek of tanned chest, and his spicy cologne left me a little lightheaded, like I’d hung upside down on the monkey bars too long. Damn, the man knew how to crank up the sex appeal.

          His gaze fell on Addy, then Layne, a smile forming on his cheeks. “One has your hair, the other your eyes.”

          “These are my kids, Addy and Layne.”

          He held out his hand to Layne, “Nice to meet you.”

          Layne hesitated, casting a glance my way. Upon my nod, he shook Wolfgang’s hand.

          “Wow, that’s a strong grip.” Wolfgang turned to Addy and squatted down to her level. “I bet you’re the older twin.”

          Addy’s eyes widened. “How did you know?”

          “It’s written on your face.”

          I mentally rolled my eyes. Addy would be spending even more time in front of the mirror now.

          “Is your name really Wolfgang?” Layne asked, emphasizing the ‘wolf’ part. He grunted as Addy elbowed him.

          Wolfgang nodded. “Sure is.”

          I stepped between the kids as Layne made to hit Addy back. “Wolfgang used to live here, guys. That’s probably his train.”

          “What train?” Wolfgang asked, still eye level with the kids.

          Layne held out the rusted toy.

          “Layne and I found it.” Addy lifted her chin, using her more serious, older-sister tone. “Is it yours?”

          Wolfgang looked at it. “Hmmm, I don’t think so.”

          “Can I keep it, then?” Layne’s palm closed around the train, already taking ownership.

          “Layne,” I said, reprimanding. “You don’t—”

          “Sure, consider it yours.” Wolfgang stood and glanced down at my hand. “What did you find?”

          I’d forgotten about the bird. “We were searching for its nest, but not having much luck.”

          Wolfgang’s forehead creased slightly. “We could make a nest for now and stick it up high, out of reach of predators. If its parents are nearby, they’ll hear it crying.”