Can We Teach Them? (Sequel to Can You Teach Me?)

Chapter 10 Sean

Chapter 10 Sean

Bootcamp week 6 (starting July 17th)

"Where is he?  Do you think we should have the camp leaders send out a search party?"  I worried my bottom lip much to Kota's chagrin.

Kota shook his head, worry lines present on his face.  "It's time to talk with everyone at home.  Maybe he left late?  Let's talk to them first, before we jump to any conclusions."

I pushed the FaceTime icon, waiting one and a half rings before the line was connected.  "Sugar!"  Luke's face was so close to the camera I could practically see up his nostrils.

"Can you back up Luke?  You're too close."  I giggled.

The screen jostled and bounced about before the computer was set down on a stable surface.  Luke plonked back on a bean bag chair.  Sam and Annie hopped up into his lap, walking around in circles a couple times to find the perfect comfort spot.  Once settled, he gave them loving tickles behind their ears.  "Look who came to see you, Sang.  They missed their mommy."  Luke spoke in a voice reserved for babies and small animals.  I couldn't help the smile I was sporting.  All my favorites were around me.  Or, almost all.  I bit my lower lip before I blurt out my fears.

Nathan sat down on the couch behind Luke and I was surprised to see Max come forward to sit on his haunches next to Luke with his snout resting where he could keep a close watch on my fur babies.  I heard Silas chuckle and Nathan praise Max.  "Who's a good boy?"  Max lifted his head, and yipped softly toward Nathan in response to his praise.  Silas laughed again.

North gave Max a pat on the top of his head as North dropped to the floor in front of the couch.  "Damn straight.  Max knows the hell he'd pay if something happened to these two on his watch."  Max's head tipped to the side, one of his dog eyebrows raised in a 'really?' sort of look, before he grumbled a warning growl.  Max's head slipped back into the watchful guard position over my babies.

Victor teased, "Max dotes on these two as if Sam and Annie are Prince William and Lady Kate. Except in dog world."  He smiled and shook in head in disbelief.

Kota interrupted the playful banter, "Not to throw a wrench in the happy-pet-conversation atmosphere, but has anyone heard from Doc?  Did he leave late or something?  He hasn't arrived yet."  Kota's face pulled together in frustration.

Owen moved the computer screen to face him directly.  "He left precisely on time.  I would know, I am the one who saw him off."  Owen took out his phone and continued to talk, "I received a text about an hour ago that he had stopped to get a coffee at a gas station."  Owen looked toward where The others were sitting, now off my screen.  "Have any of you heard anything?"

"No.  He only messaged you."  Gabriel's disembodied voice rang through the speakers.

Owen turned his concerned gaze back on us, "If he is not there by the time breakfast is over, you need to let someone know on your end.  In the meantime, we will try to get in contact with him.  Make sure he isn't broken down on the side of the road, or worse.  Either one of us that knows something, we will keep the other informed."

I nodded my head and swallowed hard, suddenly feeling nauseous.  I don't want to even think about the 'or worse' part.

After dropping the Sean-is-missing bomb, the conversation was strained and precise.  Quick questions were asked, short answers were given.  I also noticed that North and Silas had left the room.  It was the most impersonal conversation I have had with my men since the day I met them.  And I don't like it one bit.

Kota closed down the computer, wrapped his arm around my waist with an added squeeze to my hip for reassurance.  "He'll be here.  I'm sure of it."  The only problem with that reassurance, his tone sounded concerned.