Hidden in the Heart: An LDS Novel

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  Garrett rolled over and stretched, then doubled over in emotional pain. They are gone. It felt like a physical blow to the gut. I can’t do this. A small voice inside reassured him. Yes, you can. I am with you. Strengthened by the sure knowledge that Christ’s Atonement meant he, in a very real way, was not alone, he rose and dressed for the day. He rode the elevator down to the main floor and headed into the restaurant for a lonely breakfast. When he walked in, Darrin and his family were just sitting down. Garrett joined them.

  Darrin raised an eyebrow. “No company?”

  “No.” Garrett didn’t elaborate.

  Darrin and Sally didn’t pry. The weather was a safe topic. “At least the storm has passed.” Darrin paused to study Garrett’s face, then continued. “The hotel didn’t have any problem delivering a couple of cribs. Sally is going to stay with me tonight and then we’re going home in the morning.” He paused again, uncertain as to what to say to his friend. “What classes were you going to attend today?”

  Garrett pushed away from the table, realizing he wasn’t hungry, after all. “I’m not staying. I’m going to check out.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to spend a few days in Omaha.”

  “What’s in Omaha?”

  “I need to spend some time in the temple.”

  “I see.” Darrin’s brow puckered in concern. “Keep in touch.”

  Garrett offered a wry smile. “I always do.” He left as the waitress approached to take their order.

  He chose to fast on his drive to Omaha. While he drove, he prayed. He prayed for strength to let Cathee go, but mostly he prayed for the safety of the ones he loved.

  When he reached the Nebraska border, he picked up the call he had been dreading. “The car has been found. It was in Kansas City. An SUV a block away was stolen. It’s black. With a lot of trunk space.”

  Garrett’s heart dropped to the floor. His voice strained to the breaking point, he managed to answer, “Thanks for the information. Please keep me posted.” As he shut the phone, he prayed harder than he had at any time in his life. Cathee’s safety was at stake.

  He had no way to contact her. The only power he had was prayer. And fasting. He didn’t eat.