40 - Missing in action

Hunter's Mercedes is still parked on the same spot when Chloe stops in front of Isaac's place. Isaac, who followed her from the hospital, stops next to her. Chloe is very worried. She hasn't had the opportunity to enlighten Isaac about what happened, and it is eight-o'-clock already. The sun has set and she is very upset!

Isaac is unlocking the door when she and Lyle accompany him. "Isaac, Hunter had to go and investigate something and he isn't back yet. Can Lyle sleep over here in one of your guest rooms this weekend?"

Isaac smiles. "Of course! You needn't ask, Chloe. What is Hunter up to?"

"Oh, it's a long story. I'll tell you later."

The clever doctor realizes that she doesn't want to tell him in Lyle's presence. "Did Hunter bring along Lyle's suitcase with all his belongings?"

Chloe questioningly looks at Lyle. "Lyle, have you brought your bag with Uncle Hunter?"

"Yes, my bag was in his boot."

Chloe frowns surprised, "It seems Uncle Hunter was in such a hurry earlier today he forgot to give your bag to me. It must be still in his boot."

Isaac opens the door and they enter the house while he speaks: "Lyle, no problem. There is a spare toothbrush still in its holder in the chest in the bathroom for you to use. There is also a spare towel and toothpaste, soap and shampoo and you can use one of my pyjama pants."

Chloe pushes Lyle in the direction of the bathroom. "Go and have a bath or shower in the meantime, Lyle, while I warm up our supper and lay the table."

Lyle is busy in the bathroom when Isaac hugs Chloe from behind and whispers in her ear: "What is going on, Chloe? I see Hunter's car is still parked outside. Where is he?"

Chloe turns around and looks into his eyes. "Isaac, I simply burn to tell you but this is my first chance. We will have to talk quickly while he is in the bathroom."

Chloe quickly tells him what they discovered at her place and that he went after the intruder who according to him could not be far away.

"Isaac, I am so worried! He walked down the footpath that leads to Robert and is gone since! I was afraid to phone him in case his phone could cause problems for him, but now it is late and dark! What do you think must I do?"

"Chloe, wait. I'll phone him right away."

Isaac, after trying, just shakes his head. "No, the service says he is not available. I am wondering, Chloe, last time he phoned from an unknown number because someone was eavesdropping. Maybe he now uses the cheap phone."

Chloe frowns worriedly and takes her smartphone. "He took the bush path to Robert's place. I'm going to text Robert. Maybe he is there or they are together."

Chloe sends the message: "Robert, is or was Hunter at your place today?"

Concerned she looks at Isaac. "I don't like this one bit. I didn't want him to go after the intruder all by himself. What if he was waiting for him, but Hunter departed so hastily as if something was chasing him."

Her phone sounds and she sees a message from Robert. "He was here earlier today. He asked about neighbouring smallholdings and went away. Haven't seen him since ..."

She answers: "Thank you."

Chloe shakes her head despondently and shows Isaac Robert's message. "Isaac, just look how late it is. I am so worried. Where is he? Do you think we must contact the police?"

Isaac frowns, "I don't know, Chloe, maybe we could jeopardise Hunter's plans. I think the only way out is for me to go and search for him."

"No ways!"

"That's the only solution."

"You are going nowhere!"

"Maybe I must go to Robert and ask for his advice. I think he should probably have a good idea where Hunter went from there, if I can explain to him what is going on."

"How are you going to communicate with him in any case?"

"I'll take paper and a pencil with me. He can write answers for me."

Chloe hugs him tightly. "Forget it. You are not going anywhere!"

"I see no other option."

"In that case, I am going with you. I have a pistol that I can use very well if it becomes necessary."

Isaac shakes his head, "No, Chloe, we can't leave Lyle alone! What if he vanishes as well? You'll have to stay here with him."

"I shall go; you look after him."

"Don't be daft. I'll never allow it."

"Then all three of us go."

"Now you are completely nuts."

"Isaac, I refuse that you put your life in danger due to my nonsense. Maybe I must phone Ronnie or Leo for help."

"No, Chloe, I don't think Hunter wishes to involve them. Why does he want us to keep secrets from them? Just leave me. I am going to get my flashlight and then I am going to search for our friend."

Chloe hugs him even firmer. "No!"

Chloe's smartphone indicates a message, but she doesn't want to leave Isaac because she's afraid he will disappear in the dark woods. Despondently she stares at the phone.

"Look who sent a message! It could be Hunter."

"No, the moment I let you go, you will vanish into the dark bush and I'll never see you again."

Isaac smiles at her desperation and takes the phone. "What do you know? Just in time."

He shows her Hunter's message: "Chloe, hang on ... busy with stake out ... phone off ..."

"I would never have let you go in any case."

"Do you love me that much?"

"Much more than you'll ever know, my prince."

Isaac also hugs her and they melt away and get lost in a warm, deep kiss. Suddenly nothing else exists except this moment and time stops while they are lost in each other. During these heavenly moments, Chloe becomes aware of something. She opens her one eye and sees Lyle silently watching them.

Chloe breaks the kiss and blushes blood red. "Lyle, I haven't seen you."

Lyle smiles naughtily. "The naughty boy move, hey?"

Chloe kills herself laughing. "You won't understand, Isaac, but Lyle can be quite funny."

They are watching Lyle standing there with his bare upper body and with Isaac's night pants that he must clutch tightly to prevent it from falling. Again Chloe burst out laughing.

"Lyle, are you going to clutch that thing the whole evening? It is many sizes too big for you, shame, just leave it and let it fall."

Lyle ogles her as if she is mad. "That is all I have on me."

"Well, I won't mind and Isaac also. You can walk around here stark naked!" She laughs out loud.