Part 165 (1/2)

Or maybe Leah. I know you were awfully close to her too.”

Suddenly Maggie realized she hadn't heard back from Leah

all night. She glanced up at the clock and saw that it was

now after ten. Although she hated to disturb Leah this late,

she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep herself out of worry

for the girl. She quickly dialed the number, but this time got

an operator's recording saying that the call could not be con-

nected. She hung up and looked down at Lizzie. The dog

looked up with pleading eyes and whined.

”What is it, girl?” Maggie turned from the nervous dog

and glanced out the kitchen window. The snow had quit

falling a couple of hours ago, and now all looked peaceful

and serene outside, with even a partial moon peeking

through the clouds to illuminate the snow and making it

light enough to see for quite a distance. The dog whined

aga in, and as senseless as it seemed, Maggie felt that she too

was concerned for Leah's welfare.

”Maybe I should just drive on out there and make sure

everything's all right,” she said out loud. She looked down

at Lizzie. ”Want to go for a ride, girl?”

258Melody Carison

Immediately the dog began wagging her tail. Maggie

smiled. It was probably silly, but she knew she wouldn't

sleep a wink tonight if she didn't. She thought about leaving

a note, but Spencer was gone for the night anyway. She con-

sidered calling her mother, but felt certain Audrey would be