A Billionaire's Cabin Love - Posey Parks Page 0,61

speak to him.”

“Thanks, Kara.”

“You’re welcome.” I disconnected the call.

I layered my clothes, then slipped into my snow pants and coat. This time of year, was very cold. You couldn’t take chances wearing just a coat without thermo wear underneath. I slid my favorite boots over three layers of socks. Sometimes dad liked to take an early walk before work. What if he fell and couldn’t call for help? It was difficult to think my father would have a hard time doing anything. He was young in my eyes. Kara, don’t think of the worst-case scenario. He was probably sleeping.

I called Collin as I walked out the house. He didn’t answer. Shit, he had a conference call this morning. I left him a voicemail. He said I needed to call him anytime I was leaving. And not to leave without Harry. I was only going to my father’s house. Harry didn’t need to accompany me over there.

Twenty minutes later, I knocked on dad’s door and rang the doorbell. No answer. My heartbeat thudded my rib cage. I took a deep breath.

“Really, dad?” I muttered under my breath as I unlocked the door, then entered the house.

“Hello, Dad?” I called out as I closed the door.

I walked through the living room that hadn’t changed much over the years.

“Dad are you here?” I yelled.

“No answer.”

I walked upstairs toward his bedroom. Strolling down the hall, I peeked into my old room as I continued on.

Standing in his doorway, I peeked around the bedroom. The bed was made. Hmm. He must’ve gone for a walk. Why wouldn’t he call Ernie and ask him to open the store?

I scoured every room in the house. Standing in the kitchen, I peered out the window that had a view of the lake that ran behind the house. He wasn’t out there either. I opened the door to the garage. The tiny hairs stood on my neck as the auto light popped on. Dad’s truck was here. I rubbed my brow and sat at the top of the three steps. My eyes fell over the ground near the driver door. I squinted. Inching closer, I peeked at the drops of blood. My hands flew over my mouth.

Slipping my cell from my pocket, I called Harry.

“Good morning, Kara.”

“Good morning, Harry. I know I was supposed to call when I left the house, but I wasn’t going far.”

“Where are you?”

A shadow came into view behind me. My heart lurched.

“Shit.”

“Kara, what’s wrong?”

I glanced over my shoulder. Before I could say another word. I was hit over the head.

My eyes fluttered open. High winds smacked my face. I rubbed my throbbing head. Barking dogs’ paws slapped the fresh snow filled paths. I peeked above me. Peter’s face came into view. He held onto the sleigh handles. His attention was focused on our route. Path to where?

I didn’t want to alarm him. Lying in the sleigh bed, I wondered if I could reach into my pocket without him knowing? Luckily, I knew this land like the back of my hand. I pressed my gloved hands against my pockets. No cell, Shit. What I had was snacks.

Slowly, I removed my hand from my glove and slipped my hand into my pocket. I dropped a Cheez-it on the ground every few inches until I had nothing left.

Collin had explored different parts of Talkeetna with me. He may remember our mush path toward the igloo’s. Still didn’t guarantee he’d nowhere to look for me. I’d have to fight Peter myself.

COLLIN

Half way through the conference call, I realized I didn’t have my cell. I excused myself from the call, ran to my office, and grabbed my phone. I noticed I had two missed calls and two voice messages.

I listened to Kara’s first.

“Good morning, babe. Ernie called. He said dad left early yesterday. He said he arrived at the shop this morning and it was closed. Ernie opened the shop. He said he called my dad several times and no answer. I am running over there to make sure he’s ok.”

My breath caught in my chest. Please say you called Harry to go with you.

“I know you said to have Harry go with me, but I should only be a minute. Call me back when you can. I love you.”

“Fuck!”

Pacing my office floor, I listened to Harry’s message.

“Collin, Kara called, I asked her where she was. Her last word was, and that was it. I heard her cell drop. I didn’t bother calling her name because I needed to