Free No Breaking My Heart by Kate Angell

brow, protecting his eyes from the glare of the sun. He drew his Android Smartphone from the pocket of his khaki cargo shorts, then scrolled the texts from Halo. They made little sense. “It’s Saturday. He’s five fucking days late. No reason.”
    â€œHe’ll show,” Zoo finally said. “He probably hooked up.”
    Land shook his head. “No hooks. Messages have him driving randomly. He’s on and off Interstate 95. Taking in the sights.”
    Will scratched his chin. “Sounds like a road trip.”
    â€œHalo doesn’t road trip.” Landon was concerned. “He had one planned stop in Atlanta to see his pilot, then straight here.”
    Zoo snorted. “You’re such a mom.”
    â€œYou’re a dick,” Land growled. The Halo behind the texts wasn’t the Halo that Landon knew. The two of them were close. People seldom saw one man without the other. They had each other’s backs. No matter the circumstance or situation. If Halo got in trouble, Landon shouldered half the blame. They competed against each other during the season: hits, runs, errors. Then went on to celebrate their individual successes.
    Zoo lowered his bronze lens Maui Jims, and side-eyed a blonde in a tight tank top and a tiny bikini bottom. She eyed him, too, checking out his T-shirt. She slowed, curled a finger in the cotton of his collar, and mouthed, “Top,” as she passed him.
    Zoo grinned. His navy tee was scripted with Top or Bottom? More than one woman had relayed her preference. He shoved his shades back up his nose. Pushing off the railing, he crossed to Landon. Will followed. They looked over Land’s shoulder. “Run through Halo’s texts,” said Zoo.
    Land skimmed back to the first post. He read, “ ‘On my way.’ That was sent early Tuesday morning as he left Richmond. I asked him to let me know when he got to Atlanta. Instead he responded with: ‘Stopping in Smithfield, North Carolina. Shadowhawk.’”
    â€œWhat’s ‘Shadowhawk’?” asked Zoo.
    Landon had downloaded the website. “A replica of Wild Bill’s Western town. Built by a retired actor, in his own backyard.”
    â€œA movie set, huh?” That interested Zoo. “Halo as a gunslinger, downing shots of whiskey in the saloon? Yeah, I can see it.”
    Will craned his neck, claimed the next text. “ ‘Reached South of the Border.’” He rubbed his forehead. “I’ve been there. Rest stop and roadside attraction south of the North Carolina border. Adobe architecture and neon signs. Small amusement park, a mascot named Pedro, and a shitload of Mexican trinkets.”
    A further message confused them even more. “‘Locating a pet-friendly hotel.’”
    Will frowned. “Halo doesn’t have a pet.”
    â€œNot unless he adopted a dog during off-season,” said Zoo.
    â€œHe would’ve told me.” Of that Landon was certain.
    The men took turns reviewing the posts. “ ‘Baseball water tower in Charlotte, South Carolina,’” Land continued. “Can’t believe that would hold his interest.”
    Will rolled his eyes. “‘UFO Welcome Station, Bowman, SC.’”
    â€œâ€˜Bee City, Town of Beehives, Cottageville, SC. Stung in the parking lot.’” Zoo grunted. “Bet that pissed Halo off.”
    â€œâ€˜Submarine on Land, St. Mary’s Georgia,’” Land added. “‘ USS George Bancroft.’”
    â€œHe attached a photo,” Will noted. “A full-sized Navy sub on display, as if it’s surfacing out of the grass. Pretty cool.”
    The men scanned the next twelve texts in silence. “I don’t get it,” said Will. “Halo’s all over the map. Driving south, then east, then west.”
    Zoo rolled his shoulders, straightened. He was about to say something, but got sidetracked by a pair of twins.