Happiness For H: Something In White

January 31 (part 4)

Horatio looked at his watch. His errands had taken longer than he had anticipated and it was almost 2:30. His first stop had been to the Sheriff's office. Since Ghost's chase from the churchyard the night before, he had been uneasy about uninvited "guests" at the wedding ceremony or reception today. The Sheriff had welcomed him, congratulating Horatio on his coming marriage to Emily.

"Such a nice girl," he said with a smile. "Though a bit of a wild streak in her, if you know what I mean." Horatio had nodded and thanked him, wanting to get to the subject he came to talk about.

"Sheriff, I am concerned about what might happen. Would it be possible to have Deputy Opterhoste be visible during the ceremony and reception? After what happened with Josh in Miami, I'd feel better with some extra eyes on Emily."

"Of course, of course." The Sheriff had nodded, "I'm going to be there myself as well, we'll keep an eye out for anything amiss, Lieutenant. You needn't worry about anyone disrupting your wedding day."

Thanking him, Horatio had left the office, intent on his next stop. As he approached the SUV, he thought he felt eyes watching him. A quick glance around the practically deserted street showed nothing amiss. On his way to his next stop, he kept a watchful eye on passing cars.

His second stop was to pick up his suit for the ceremony and some groceries for the townhome where he and Emily would be staying for the next couple of days. At both stops, he received congratulations on his marriage to Emily.

"I'm sure Emily will make a beautiful bride, Lieutenant. I have to work so I'll miss the ceremony, but I'll see you both at the reception. Grandma Estin always throws a good party!" Horatio was somewhat taken aback by this conversation with a relative stranger. Murmuring what he hoped was a polite response, he gathered up his purchases and went out to the SUV. Once again, he felt as if eyes were watching him. He debated whether or not he should go on to Bluefin. The last thing he wanted to do was lead someone intent on making mischief or worse to the place he and Emily would be staying tonight. He tried a few quick turns and a short detour up the Sawbill trail, but couldn't see anyone tailing him.

Since he had brought his overnight bag and picked up his suit, he decided he may as well get showered and dressed at Bluefin. It was only a 15 minute drive to Grandma's lodge and the church.

Back at the lodge, Frank was beginning to get worried. He had expected Horatio by 2:00 and it was now 2:30. When he tried Horatio's cell, there was no answer. Walking carefully in his dress shoes over the slippery snow, Frank knocked on the door to the cabin Eric and Ryan were occupying.

"Hey Frank, shouldn't you be at the church?"

"Yeah, and so should Horatio. Have you heard from him?"

"No," Eric said slowly. "Where did he go?"

"I don't know," Frank said impatiently. "He took the SUV at noon and said he had some things to do and he'd be back. I assumed he meant before now."

Ryan came to the door, fixing his tie. "What's going on?"

"H is missing."

"He can't be. He's the groom. Emily is the one who's supposed to be running away."

Frank and Eric both fixed him with a look.

"Ok, ok," Ryan held up his hands. "I'm just saying…"

"It's not like H to run late," Eric said, thinking out loud.

"I know he was concerned about what happened at the rehearsal. And I didn't miss how he was watching people all evening when we were out last night." Frank said, running a hand over his bald head.

"Let's see if Calleigh knows anything. He was talking to her and Alexx about something this morning at breakfast." Eric pulled out his cell.

"Calleigh,"
"Hi Eric. Alexx and I are just about ready. How about you and Ryan?"

"Almost. Cal, H seems to be missing. Any ideas?"

"You've tried him on his cell?"

"Of course. Did he happen to tell you where he was going when he was talking with you this morning?"

"Yes, but I've been sworn to secrecy about that, Eric."

"Calleigh, now is not the time …" She didn't let him finish.

"Eric, I promised him I wouldn't say anything. Where's Frank?"

"Here, with us."

"Tell him he better get over to the church and cover for Horatio in case Emily is looking for him. The last thing she needs to know is that Horatio is missing. And try to stay out of Grandma Estin's way. She'll know for sure something's up. I think she was getting to the church at 3:00. You and Ryan keep trying his cell. There are pockets where signals don't go through up here. I noticed that on the way up. We'll meet at your cabin at 3:00. Oh, and make sure Frank has the wedding bands." She hung up. Eric turned to look at Frank and Ryan. He was grinning in spite of the seriousness of the situation.

"Frank, you're on damage control at the church and don't forget the wedding bands."

"Well, how am I supposed to get over there?" Frank grumbled.

"I'll take you over," Ryan volunteered. "Eric, where's the keys?"

TBC