Page 33 of Property of Hayride
My father pops to his feet as soon as he sees us. He frowns as he sees our joined hands, but quickly smiles as I release Hayride’s fingers to hug him.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
“No, but I hope I will be soon, and we find Thad.”
Dad releases me, and I slide onto the booth opposite him.
Hayride takes the spot beside me, holding out his hand. “A pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Hayden Phillips.”
“Hayden.” My father’s gaze focuses on his leather vest. “Hayride?”
“My road name. Given by my club when I patched in.”
“You’re a biker.” My father isn’t rude. He’s curious.
“Yes. Took the spot my father vacated when arthritis got too bad for him to hold the handlebars. Broke his heart.” Hayride shakes his head. “I never take it for granted.”
Dad is surprised, but I can tell he’s interested in learning more about Hayride. But this isn’t a social visit. It’s about my brother and the search. “We’ll talk more about it later. Right now, I need to hear about my son. Tell me what I don’t know.”
Hayride glances my way. “Mind if I step in first? You can jump in any time, but there’s a lot to fill him in, and I know you’ve had an emotional couple of days.”
I don’t mind at all. “Go for it.”
The waitress arrives and grabs our drink order before he can begin. Once we’re sitting with mugs of coffee, glasses of water, and an orange juice for me, Hayride clears his throat.
“Our town is known for its fall-themed and horror-related history. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Hillside Stalker.”
“I have,” my dad confirms.
“Then you can guess we do a lot of business with the Fear Farm and the haunted Mayfield Inn. We’ve got themedshops like Ice Screams and the Mystic Emporium. There are attractions and games that bring the tourists back every year, and that’s important to the economy in Raven’s Crest. It’s how we provide income for the people who live here and put down roots.”
“Makes sense.”
“So, when I say that having a tourist show up, enjoy our historic hotel tour, and then disappear is bad for business, I’m telling you the truth.”
Dad nods. “Go on.”
“We’re a small town. There’s not much law enforcement other than the sheriff and a few deputies. My club helps keep the peace and ensure everything runs smoothly. We’re invested in the success of this town and the Fear Farm.”
“Are you telling me that you’re helping with the search?”
“Yes. And we’re doing everything we can to find Thad and bring him back to his family.”
Dad picks up his mug and sips on his coffee. He’s thinking about what Hayride has said. “I’ll hold you to it, Hayden.”
“I expect nothing less.”
Dad’s attention shifts to me. “Your mother is home. She’s too upset to travel. I don’t want her breaking down in front of strangers. Too traumatic. Your Aunt Elizabeth is with her.”
“That’s probably best,” I agree.
Dad gestures to Hayride and me. “How long has this been going on?”
“It’s new.”
Dad pins Hayride with a look that might have made a lesser man squirm. “Hurt my daughter in any way and I’ll fucking pack you in the back of my truck, drive you into the forest where no one can hear your screams, and inflict so much pain you’ll want to die. Hear me?”
