here to weigh your baggage. I’d like to help you carry it. What’s the situation with Abby?”
“Promise you won’t tell me that God’s in control, because that means nothing to me right now.”
Elliot nodded. “Just talk to me.”
Kate held open the door and let him go inside. “Let’s sit in the kitchen. You want something to drink?”
“No. I’m fine.”
Kate pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table opposite Elliot.
“Tell me what’s going on,” he said.
“No one’s seen Abby since she got off work yesterday morning.”
Kate started to talk and rattled off everything that had happened, starting with Abby’s coming home with the cell phone picture of a girl she thought could be Riley Jo … and ending with Virgil’s calls to Kate that they had found Jay’s truck and then Abby’s iPhone.
“A deputy came and got Abby’s windbreaker so the bloodhounds can track her scent,” Kate said. “They’re using a chopper to search by air.”
“Sounds like the sheriff is doing everything right.” Elliot’s voice was calm and comforting. “I’m so sorry you have to go through this—especially when you’re already stressed, waiting for the results of the remains that were discovered. That’s a heavy load for any person to handle.”
“I don’t have much choice.”
“Does Virgil think Abby’s disappearance is related to her search for Ella?” Elliot said.
“He doesn’t know yet. But we have to consider it.”
Elliot mused for a moment. “Would you like me to take you to where they found Jay’s truck and Abby’s iPhone?”
Kate shook her head. “I don’t think I could bear seeing them carry a body bag out of the woods.”
“I understand if you don’t want to go up there. But don’t give up hope that Abby and Jay are all right. I think it would be a big mistake to assume the worst.”
Kate felt her neck muscles tighten. “It’s so much easier to start with the worst and work backward, than the other way around. I’ve learned it’s best to brace myself.” She held up her palm. “Please … don’t tell me I should pray and ask God to intervene.”
“Since when have I tried to impose my beliefs on you?” Elliot’s expression told Kate that he had already started praying.
It was a mystery to her why Elliot was so nice to her. He was the one friend who always seemed to show up at the right time with the right motive. He respected the uncertainty of her marital status and had never made a pass or acted inappropriately. He never even reacted defensively when it was obvious she wanted nothing to do with his Christian beliefs.
“Tell me what I can do to help.” Elliot seemed to look into her heart. “We’ve been friends a long time. You’ve never asked me to do anything for you. Ask. I want to help.”
“I wouldn’t know what to ask help with,” Kate said.
“You could start by letting me answer phones, take messages, or whatever else you need at the lodge office while you’re awaiting news from the sheriff. If I can run a lumber company, I can certainly handle taking messages for a few hours.” Elliot reached across the table and took her hands in his. “Don’t try to carry this burden by yourself. You’ll feel better if you know I’ve got you covered.”
Kate felt her cheeks get hot, guilty at how comforted she was by his touch. “What about your Friday-afternoon golf game?”
“I’ll cancel. The guys don’t need me there to play.”
Kate withdrew her hands and tented her fingers. “I’ve never understood why you’re so nice to me.”
“For one thing, I like you. You’re a remarkable person. But my offer to help is just seeing a need and wanting to pitch in.”
“Because you get points for taking care of the widows and orphans?” Kate said, instantly hating herself for her sarcasm.
Elliot’s face went blank, and he dropped his gaze. “Kate, I just want to help you. I don’t have any motive other than that.” He glanced at his watch, then pushed back his chair and stood. “I’m available to do whatever you need. If you don’t want my help, I probably should go. Tee time is in fifteen minutes.”
Could she have been any more insensitive if she’d tried? “Elliot, please … don’t go. I’m sorry for my flippant remark. I believe you’re sincere. And I could use your help.”
Abby, flanked by Ella and Jay, stopped at the edge of the pear orchard and looked out across a grassy meadow. On the other side, she spotted a