Going Home

Part 48

As Josh and Grace pull up near the house Robert appeared from inside and came down the steps towards them. Frowning Josh looked at him, “what’s going on?”

With a concerned expression Robert said “a child from a neighbouring property is missing, they think she may be on our land somewhere, she was headed this way when she was last seen.”

“Right” Josh said, automatically switching to work mode, “where do you want us to look?”

“Well we’ve got people heading out all over but I thought if you and Grace could look in the south paddock that’s one of the spots their land meets ours and it’s rough terrain with a few old mine shafts.”

Josh nodded, his frown deepening, “I remember. Okay I’ll take my climbing gear in case it’s needed. What do we do for communication we won’t get a signal out there?”

“I’ll give you the sat phone. I’m going to search the out buildings so I won’t need it.” Robert headed back inside to get the phone.

Josh walked over to retrieve his climbing gear from the car and returning to the bike looked at Grace “it’s pretty rough over there, you going to be okay?” 

Grace smiled, “I’ll be fine. Let’s just find the child.”

Nodding Josh turned back to his father as Robert reappeared with the phone and a torch. “how old is this kid?” he asked his father.

“She’s ten.”

“And what’s her name?”

“Maddie”

“Okay I’ll call in half an hour unless we find something sooner.”

Nodding Robert looked at his son with pride. He liked that there was no hesitation from Josh, just a willingness to get on with what needed to be done. He was impressed with the man he had become.