Crowley raised his hand. “There are several sheds, gazebos and picnic spots at various points, about two to three feet into the trees. It might be wise to check those too.”
“Good point, Mr. Crowley. Thank you. I assume there are clear paths to these areas.”
“Yes, sir. Paths are fairly wide and generally kept clear of any obstacles. Staff and residents are all familiar with them.”
“Good, but remember, no one is to search these areas alone. The entire group stays together at all times.” All heads nodded once more. ” Crowley and Price, phone numbers please.” They each handed him a card.
“Each leader will take one of the searchlights in the porch on your way out. Okay, let’s move out. Let’s get Mr. Butt back inside as quickly as possible. Crowley’s group first, then Price, and Blackett, and my group will go last.”
It was a solemn group that zipped, buttoned and tied themselves securely against the cold and moved outside. A grey-haired lady with a walker approached Hogan as he entered Crowley’s and Prices’s numbers into his phone and waited for his turn to go. “Please find Henry, Mr. Hogan. I can’t go with you but I won’t stop praying until you all return safely – with Henry.”
“You know him well?”
“Yes, sir. My brother’s best friend since childhood. Like another brother to me. I was widowed young, no children and, since my brother died, Henry’s always been there for me.”
Harry mentally crossed his fingers and gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile. “We will do our very best, Ma’am.” He took a step forward, then looked back at her. “And your prayers certainly won’t hurt.”
As the groups searched their assigned areas, Harry called each leader every ten minutes to check on their progress. He knew the leaders could handle it, and probably the other staff members, but he was concerned about the residents. He thought it was risky for them to be out there but how could he stop them from going? They were concerned about a friend. At least, this way, they were in groups and that was all he could do to protect them.
It was getting dark and the snow was being whipped around pretty well. Harry didn’t want to keep the residents out any longer. It was time to get them back inside, let the rest of them get a hot drink, and staff members only would resume the search. Then his phone rang. “Hogan,” he answered.
“We have him,” Bertie said. “In the garage where the bus is kept.”
“I’ll notify the others and meet you there.” He made two quick calls, notifying the other two groups and instructing them to return to the residence, at the same time telling Crowley to call the ambulance.. He gave his group the same instructions and headed for the garage at a fast pace.
When he reached the garage, Harry glanced behind him and realized the entire group had followed him. He grinned. These people really cared about each other. He opened the door. Bertie was standing in the open doorway of the bus, while the rest of her group stood around the bus. “Where is he?” Harry asked.
“In the bus,” Bertie replied. “Not sure if his ankle is broken or badly sprained, and he’s a bit cold, but otherwise okay.”
