Shadows at Sunset: Sunset Trilogy ~ Book 1 Read Online Free Page A

moment, listening to make sure my parents didn’t wander out of their bedroom to see what I was doing. If they knew that I was about to attempt to find Ryder on my own, they would surely stop me. After all, they had no idea that I would have help. No doubt, they would think I was crazy. They would never believe that I could find a little boy lost in the dark when my father couldn’t find him in the daylight.
    When I was sure that the coast was clear and my parents hadn’t heard the squeaky door, I flipped on the light and crept down the two steps into the musty-smelling garage. To my right, utility shelves lined the wall. The flashlights were exactly where I remembered, on the middle shelf closest to the door. I reached for two of them, one for a back-up, and tested them. They came on immediately, their lights beaming circles onto the garage wall. Then I turned them off, put the smaller one in my pocket, and carried the larger one.
    I left the garage, tiptoeing back into the house as quietly as I could. Dakota was waiting for me at the back door. He turned his head to watch me, his eyes begging me to hurry up. I could tell he was eager to start the search.
    “I’m coming. A little patience, please,” I whispered as I crossed the kitchen to the back door. Still expecting one of my parents to emerge and stop me, I inched it open. But no one showed up. This was it. Time to move out.
    Dakota leaped through the doorway as soon as there was enough room for him to squeeze by. He bounded across the patio and down the steps before disappearing into the darkness. As soon as I stepped outside and closed the door behind me, I hurried to the edge of the yard, hugging my flannel jacket as I adjusted to the brisk chill in the air. I paused for a moment to glance up at the sky. The full silvery moon, pocketed with craters, had risen above the treetops, muting out the stars. Closing my eyes for a moment, I took a deep breath. Please let me find the strength to do this, I thought. Ryder needs me. I may be his only chance. My inner voice sent shivers up my spine. There was nothing like a little pressure at a time like this.
    I opened my eyes, giving them a moment to adjust to the darkness. The night was particularly quiet for August. The crickets that usually chirped after the sun set were silent due to the cold, making it seem more like late September. An owl hooted in the distance, bringing my attention back to the matter at hand. I turned on the flashlight and set off into the forest.
    “Dakota!” I called in a low whisper.
    He trotted across the beam of light, his eyes glowing for a moment. Then he focused his attention on the woods, taking in every scent and sound as if looking for clues.
    Another owl hooted, this time sounding much closer. I stopped and looked up straight in front of me. A gray, long-eared owl perched on a low branch of an oak tree. Its yellow eyes focused on me, not blinking. It seemed to know I needed help.
    “Hello,” I whispered.
    I thought I noticed the slightest nod of its head. I maintained eye contact with it as my thoughts did the talking. I had learned over the years that speaking out loud wasn’t necessary because the animals could read my thoughts. Once I realized that I could communicate silently, I felt silly speaking to them out loud, as if someone might hear me and think I was talking to myself.
    ‘ A little boy is lost somewhere out here. He’s small and alone. He means no harm, and I’m sure he’s cold and frightened. I need to find him. Please, if you see him, come back and lead me to him. ’
    Understanding registered in the owl’s stern expression. After a deep hoot, it stretched out its large, strong wings and launched into the air, darting through the forest trees.
    Dakota took off in the direction of the owl and I followed. It was an uphill climb. I aimed the flashlight beam at the ground so that I could maneuver over the rocky terrain. They didn’t call New Hampshire the granite