Chapter 38
CADE
Ipulled into the parking lot that was now crowded with vehicles. Police cars, Fish & Wildlife, volunteers—everyone came out in full force for a search like this. I slide my Search-and-Rescue cap on my head, my wet hair already plastered to my face and neck.
“Who’s got jurisdiction?” I asked my friend Miles, a regular volunteer at these events. Covered neck-to-toe in tats, Miles looked like a scary guy, but he was amazing at tracking. We were lucky to have him on our volunteer team.
“Vermont State Police,” Miles responded. “Coordinating with Fish & Wildlife, Fire, and Sheriff’s department. It’s all hands.”
I nodded. This first hour was crucial.
I saw the mother’s car off on the shoulder, the scene of the accident. We had gathered in the parking lot of the nearby state park, assuming the boy had run for cover under the trees.
I approached the sheriff, who was consoling the emotional mother. I got right to the point, turning to her. “Have something of the boy’s?” I asked them.
The mother nodded and held out a tiny jacket. I took it from her and held it to Echo’s nose.
“Find,” I commanded Echo, his code-word to know we were starting our mission. Echo’s ears perked and his body went on alert under his reflective vest.
Our search area was vast, so the coordinator set up a grid search. All of the law enforcement officials and volunteers spread out to their assigned positions, carefully following orders to check each square inch with speed and efficiency.
My mind focused on the job, a mantra of Find the boy, find the boy, find the boy repeating in my head as I swiveled my head across the landscape and watched for clues that Echo had sensed a trail.
Meanwhile, inside, my heart thrummed to a steady beat of Brooke, Brooke, Brooke.