Sense Of Direction

Lucas Miller came out of David's house and waited on the porch. He looked in all directions, trying to figure out the exact course that a man like John would go.

He couldn't second guess him. And if the doctor was right in his words, then the only option would be to track him East.

But for the sake of precaution, Lucas decided to divide his men into groups. Not everyone would be going East.

"I need two men to go in all directions," Lucas ordered. "North, South, East, and West."

"Where will you go, boss?" asked one of his henchmen.

"I'll know soon enough," Lucas said. When his men were all gone, he stepped off the porch and placed a palm against the ground. Then he inhaled as deeply as he could.

The air was think with scents but it was placing the right ones that was the challenge. The only relief he had was that people hardly ever came this way except when they wanted to take another exit from Black Hollow.

And he wasn't sure anyone else would be leaving, save for one person.

He got to his feet and walked some distance away from the house. Lucas's eyes scanned the gound, searching for foot tracks.

Then he saw something that was odd.

Wheel tracks. Last time he checked, Old Mikey was the one who made use of that. And he'd seen his daughter with him at the library earlier. So there could be a possibility that he'd been the other person with Sarah.

Lucas followed the tracks until he met his men at the carriage. They were looking at it as he joined them.

"This belongs to Old Mikey," one of them said.

"I know that," Lucas said. "Is there anyone here?"

"Carriage was deserted by the time we got here, boss. And that hasn't been long until you arrived."

Lucas looked around, wondering where the hell they could be. "Why would they travel to this point and desert the carriage?"

"Maybe they wandered off, boss. Might return here to continue on their way."

"Does that sound sensible to you?" Lucas asked.

"What's sensible is that the man must have wandered off and they followed him on foot," suggested the other.

"Is this East?" Lucas asked.

"No, this is North, boss."

"So it either the doctor lied, or he has a very bad idea of directions."

Nobody said anything. Lucas got in the carriage and sat. He was pretty sure that Old Mikey would come back for his animals and mode of transportation. As far as he was concerned, this was the right direction.

***

Old Mikey returned with his gun, and bullets as well. From a distance, he saw two men standing beside his carriage. He came closer, recognized them and was glad he had changed the location of the carriage before going back for his weapon.

He slowly approached, didn't realize so soon that Lucas was seated inside.

"Can I help you, fellas?" he asked.

"Old Mikey," Lucas hailed as he stepped out.

"Lucas? What in god's name are you doing out here? And in my carriage?"

"I should ask the same of you. How come this is deserted?"

"If you didn't know, this is my business and you're right on top of it.

Lucas lost the charming smile that had crept to his face. "Where is he?"

"Who?"

"The man doctor Holt treated."

"He went his way. Why are you still looking for him?"

"Let's just say we want to give him a taste of his own medicine, Old Mikey. Don't be a fool now. You know why."

Old Mikey shook his head. "I don't even know what it is you think I know, Lucas. But this right here is my property, and I need to take it back home with me."

Lucas didn't move an inch. "Just tell me where he went and I'll be on my way."

"I don't think I am the one you should be asking that question, Lucas," Old Mikey answered. He really didn't have much respect for the Miller boy. And after hearing the things he'd done to his own family, the respect went as shallow as a rock hidden underwater.

"And why is that?" Lucas questioned.

"You should be asking Sarah," Old Mikey mentioned.

"Trust me, I would if I knew her whereabouts."

"That makes two of us then," Old Mikey said.

"Last I saw, she was with you," Lucas said as a reminder.

"Well, she isn't now," Old Mikey said.

"You don't get to say that, Old Mikey."

"Look, Lucas, I'm as confused as you are here. She's interested in a man she just met today. Some stranger who walked right into town looking for a room. I have no idea why you and your men attacked him when ya'll did, but it's definitely none of my business. He could be a werewolf for all I care.

"Now, as for Sarah, she went off, okay? After him, as soon as my back was turned. So I ain't got an inkling where the hell they both are. If you find her, do let me know. Need to talk some sense into her head."

Lucas listened attentively to what the man was saying, a wan smile on his face. If Mikey was acting up, then he was a very good actor. But there wasn't any facial sign that the man didn't mean what he said.

"So what's your story with the carriage?" Lucas probed.

"Except you've got a badge showing that you're an officer or mayor of this town, then I can't tell you how I pass my day, Lucas Miller."

Lucas smiled. The man could get away with his words, but that was the limit.

Kucas ordered his men to wreck the wheels and they left him standing there alone.

"All in one damn day," Old Mikey commented. He wasn't really involved in the whole debacle, but he knew along the line that Sarah was going to ask for his help. And when that time came, would he offer it?

Or would he give her up?