The campground parking area was already a hive of activity as they pulled in, Maddie glancing around and taking it all in. There were guys with ATV's and trail bikes, a ton of walking searchers in their high visibility vests, horses tied up to trailers being tacked up to carry on the mounted search, three dog teams and a helicopter was already in the air circling the area.

No resource was being spared in their effort to find the missing child.

It was going on the fourth day that the girl had been missing out in the park, having vanished without a trace.

After parking at the end of the line of trailers, Cordell turned to Maddie. 'Get Bel ready to go, I'll go speak with James and get our search coordinates.'

She nodded as she opened the door and after her father had helped her unload Bel out of the trailer, he disappeared amongst the crowd to find the Captain.

Bel watched what was going on around her with interest, the mare standing quietly but with her ears pricked and the occasional snort from time to time. She could tell something was going on and was excited but with a gentle word and a few pats she began to settle down.

After carrying out a thorough grooming Maddie began tacking her up, starting with her saddle first. The saddle pad went on first then the saddle followed and once it was secured in place she started with the bridle. She'd just finished bridling the mare when her father returned wearing a high-vis vest like the rest of the searchers and with a couple radios in hand.

'You'll be teamed up with Cassie and I.' Cordell said as he stopped beside her, Maddie placing the reins over her mare's neck before turning back to him. 'We've been given this area here to search.' He had brought a map out from a pocket and showed her their grid. 'It's too much for the dog teams to cover.'

She looked over the grid then nodded. 'If Rose is in there, Bel will find her.' She replied confidently.

'I hope she does.' Cordell looked back over to where Captain James stood with the grandfather and parents of the missing child. 'Her Grandfather is the former Captain of the Texas Rangers and he's putting the heat onto all of us...'

Both her eyebrows raised. She hadn't really paid too much attention to what the news had been saying and she might have heard that before but if she had, she hadn't remembered it. 'I didn't know that. So...' It made sense now why there were so many resources being put into the search, more than would be usual for a search of this kind. 'That's why there's so many people here.'

He nodded. 'Most of the other Rangers have been pulled from other cases to join in the search. If she's not found today more SAR teams and Rangers will be brought in from Dallas.'

Most of the SAR personnel were volunteers but to have extra Rangers brought over from Dallas... 'That's got to cost a pretty penny.'

'A lot of pennies...' Bel sniffed at him and he gave the mare a pat then handed the extra vest to Maddie. 'You'll need to wear this. There's a spare set of reflective gear for Bel to wear too, Cassie should be bringing that over shortly.'

Maddie nodded as she slipped the vest on over her long sleeved shirt. 'Don't forget to put your sunscreen on, I've already got mine on.'

'Thank you...' He rolled his eyes. 'Thank you for the reminder.'

She chuckled softly as Cordell left to go find the sunscreen in the truck and she turned back to Bel. 'Ready for our first real search, big girl?' She questioned as she ran a hand over the mare's cheek. Bel blew softly on her hands and she smiled, scratching beneath her jaw. 'You're gonna do great, I just know it.'

'Morning Maddie.' Cassie greeted, leading two horses over to where Cordell's trailer was.

Maddie smiled. 'Morning.'

'Mind if I tie these guys up on the other side till we're ready to go?'

'Not at all. Go right ahead.' She assured her and Cassie led the chestnut and the flea-bitten gray around to the other side. A moment later Cassie returned with a set of reflective gear for her to use on Bel like the other horses wore. Bel raised her head, rolling back her eyes to see what it was that Cassie had and the first thing Maddie took from her was the yellow half blanket that attached onto the back of the saddle and went over her rump. After carefully introducing the new object to the mare for a moment and once Bel had given it a good look over and sniff, the mustang was content for her to place it on her.

A set of reflective boots went on her next and once those had been placed on, Maddie gathered her saddlebags from the back of the truck and tied them onto the back of her saddle. Cordell and Cassie carried on a conversation between themselves as she worked and when she was finally ready to go, untied Bel and led her away from the trailer to mount up.

While she waited for her father and Cassie to join her, she and Bel took a good look at the activity going on around her. In addition to the mounted Texas Rangers, there were a few mounted park rangers in the search group as well. As a quick estimate she guessed there were probably at least fifteen to twenty mounted teams though didn't bother trying to guess how many other searchers there were. There were a lot, a lot, of SAR personnel gathered around.

Cordell mounted up on the gray, Cassie mounting the chestnut when they were ready to get going and he rode over to where Maddie and Bel were standing observing what was going on. 'You all set?'

Maddie turned to him, nodding. 'All ready. I'll just need to put her mask on before we start out. Don't want to put it on her until we're actually ready to go.'

'Alright. Stay close and listen to instruction.'

She nodded again. 'Understood.'

The three of them went to join the other searchers gathering around to await the Captain's address, Maddie stroking her mare's neck to calm both the mustang and herself down while they stood around. A couple minutes later James got up to address the searchers and Maddie paid close attention to what he said. It was just after nine in the morning when the group was finally dismissed to start the search and after attaching Bel's mask over her nose, Maddie mounted up. This was it. Their first actual search.

Maddie lent down over Bel's neck as she followed behind Cordell and Cassie's mounts. 'You've got this Bel.' She assured the mare, running a hand down her neck. 'Let's find Rose.'

The morning slipped by and turned into afternoon as Maddie, Cordell and Cassie rode out their search grid looking for any sign of the missing child. The ride had been rather amusing to Maddie to say the least, listening to Cordell and Cassie's banter though after an hour or so being out on the trail they had settled down.

Lunch came and went, the three of them eating in the saddle as they kept searching. Their radios crackled on occasion but no one else reported locating the girl or even any sign of her such as footprints or clothing. Apart from the radios and the sound of the horses hooves on the beaten earth, everything was quiet. Still.

Sure wouldn't want to get lost here... Maddie remarked to herself mentally as she and Bel kept leading the way. It was lonely and desolate. Nothing stirred. A few birds sang in the tree tops but apart from that there were no other signs of life in the thick forest. Even the sunlight was blocked out by the canopy of trees above and as they navigated their way through a particular dense and dark part of the park, she shivered. How would she feel if it was her lost out here? Taking those emotions and adding to it the fact that the subject of their search was only five years old, Maddie begged the higher powers to help them find the child. She'd already been out here for four days, most likely without food or water.

So far, Bel hadn't given any indication at all that she'd found a scent and so Maddie kept her tracking across their assigned search area. It was a large area and Cordell had been right, it was hard going. The forest was thick with trees and brush and the ground was covered in boulders and fallen logs. There were some steep hills and gullies that required careful attention going over and through them and a couple times, each of their horses had lost their footing. Once Cassie's horse had slipped on a rather slick section of ground but to their relief, both her horse and she weren't injured from the fall.

The afternoon wore on, the sun beginning its descent with the promise of dark falling in a couple more hours. The order was given to search until dark and then return back to the base camp. They were running out of light and time yet still hadn't found the child.

It was just after three-thirty when Bel stopped suddenly in the middle of the trail they'd been following, Maddie dropping the reins as she motioned for Cordell and Cassie behind her to be quiet. Silence fell, the teen straining to hear anything in the gentle breeze but couldn't hear anything. Bel, on the other hand, had her nose to the ground and snorted softly before stepping forward again.

Maddie looked back at Cordell and Cassie with a grin on her face. 'That's Bel's tell. She's found something.' She told them proudly.

'Yeah well let's just hope that it is Rose.' Cordell replied as he looked around the surrounding brush carefully for anything out of the ordinary. 'Five year old child out here for four days...'

He let his sentence trail off. He didn't need to finish it for both Maddie and Cassie to understand what he was getting at.

Cassie pulled her map out of her pocket as her horse followed on after Cordell's, taking a moment to figure out their location. It didn't take her long to see that they were on the edge of the park and their search grid and as Bel kept on steadily in the direction she was going, she spoke up. 'Looks like we're heading onto private property. You sure Bel isn't leading us on a wild goose chase?'

'She knows what she's doing.' Maddie assured her, holding the reins loose to let the mustang take the lead. 'Let's just see what it is that she's onto before making any assumptions.'

The mare kept going forward determinedly South, stopping every so often to check for scent. The three riders remained quiet to let Bel concentrate and after she'd been following the trail for quite some time, Maddie checked her watch. It was just after four. It'd be dark in less than a couple of hours.

Cordell and Cassie kept their horses following after the black mustang, Bel leading them up a steep hill before coming to a stop at the edge of a rather steep, washed out canyon. Maddie lent down over her neck and gave the mustang a pat then turned back to Cordell and Cassie as they navigated their way up behind her. Bel took another step forward, the mare intending to start down into the gully but this time, she held her back.

'It's pretty steep Bel...' She remarked as she looked down, trying to see if there was any way down at all. There were numerous boulders and fallen logs and the ground didn't look particularly safe at all. It looked better left to mountain goats to travel than a horse with the added burden of a rider.

Coming to the top of the rise, Cordell stopped his horse beside Maddie. 'I-I think Cassie might be right.' He remarked as he took a look around. 'There's nothing around here.'

'No, not here.' Maddie agreed. 'But she wants to follow the scent down there.' She motioned down the canyon. Bel tossed her head, pawing at the ground a couple of times as Cassie finally joined them. 'I trust her instincts.' She exclaimed. 'If this is the way she says we need to go then that's exactly what we're gonna do. Besides, this might be our only chance of finding Rose. She's already been out here for too long already.'

'Maddie's right.' Cassie said to Cordell after a long moment of silence. 'And it will be dark soon.'

'Don't-don't you think I already know that?' He took a good look around, trying to see if there were any safer way to the ground below.

Bel was becoming more agitated at the delay, tossing her head and starting to move around in place. 'I'm going down.' Maddie said decisively as she dropped contact on the reins once more. 'See if you two can find any other way down.'

'Maddie-'

Cordell's caution was too late for Bel had already started her way down the canyon wall. The ground wasn't stable, the mare sitting almost on her haunches as she carefully chose her way down. Maddie lent as far back in the saddle as she could go and held her breath. It was up to the mare to get them both down safely. There was nothing she could do except hold on and trust in her mustangs surefootedness.

Cordell and Cassie watched anxiously as Maddie and her mare slowly made their way down to the ground below, both of them able to breathe again when they made it to the bottom. Once they were down Maddie brought her mare to a halt and looked back up at them. 'See if you can find a way down.' She shouted up to them. 'We'll keep tracking the scent.'

'Be careful.' Cordell cautioned her, Cassie getting out her map again. 'We'll catch up with you when we can.'

'Right-' Cassie started as she looked over the map. 'If we head up this way...'

Bel eagerly started forward and they had soon left Cordell and Cassie far behind. The mare was walking faster now and with an urgency in her step. Another tell that she was on a strong scent and they were getting closer to the source.

Maddie kept looking around for any sign of the girl as her mustang kept moving decisively forward, a prayer in her heart. Bel hadn't shown any sign of catching a scent at all except for when she'd started following this trail and she just hoped that it would lead to the girl. Though she didn't want to admit it or show it, she was beyond exhausted. Now that she was away from Cordell and Cassie she allowed her shoulders to slump, letting out a tired yawn. If they knew she was tired they'd have pulled her from the search and Bel wouldn't have had the chance to find the scent...

When the mustang began to trot, Maddie knew they were close. As they came out of a thick section of forest the trees gave way to a rocky creek bed, Bel slowing back to a walk. Though she kept looking around carefully she didn't see anything out of the ordinary except for some fallen trees lying across the creek. There wasn't much water in the bottom of the creek, it was barely a trickle and with summer coming it wouldn't be long before it dried up...

Bel started towards an old fallen willow tree and Maddie frowned. There didn't seem to be anything here... Maybe Cassie had been right after all... As the mustang made her way to the other side of the tree however, Maddie's heart skipped a beat. There, hidden beneath the yellowing leaves was a little girl curled up in a kind of hollow. Bel stopped in front of the tree and she fairly leapt out of the saddle, hurrying over to her. 'Rose? Rose?' She called softly as she knelt beside the child, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder. A moment later the child's eyes fluttered open and she sent up a prayer of gratitude.

'H-how did y-you f-find me?'

'My horse led me to you.' Maddie replied as the child's bottom lip started to quiver. 'It's okay...' She took her into her arms as the girl began to cry, holding her close. 'It's okay. You're safe now. I've got you. I've got you honey.'

'I-I d-didn't think a-anyone would f-find me.'

'Ssssh... It's alright now Rose.' She comforted her gently, rubbing her back. The child's hair was tangled with leaves and sticks, her little pink plaid dress torn and dirty. One shoe appeared to be long gone and though Rose had some scratches and bruises, she didn't appear to be hurt. After a moment the girl seemed to calm down and Maddie gently pushed her back so she could look her up and down. 'Are you hurt Rose?' The child shook her head. 'I bet you're probably pretty hungry and thirsty right now, aren't you?'

'Y-yes.' Rose sniffled.

'Well, lucky for you, I've got some chocolate chip cookies packed in my saddlebag that my Grandma made me.' Maddie said, wiping the girl's cheeks clean with her sleeve. 'Do you think that'll make you feel better?'

Another little nod and a sniffle was her answer.

'Alright. We'll grab you one of those in a moment then.' Her heart went out to the shivering little girl and a moment later she'd taken off her jacket to bundle the girl up in. 'Would you like to have a ride on my horse?'

'I-I don't k-know how to ride.'

'That's okay. I can teach you.' She smiled at her. 'Come on, up you come.' In one smooth motion she picked the little girl up in her arms and started back to where Bel stood. 'Her name is Bel.' Maddie introduced her, Rose giggling a little when the mustang sniffed her.

'What's that on her nose?'

'Oh that's a mask. It's something she wears when she's looking for someone.'

'Like me?'

Maddie nodded. 'Yep. Like you. Do you want to take it off her? When Bel gets to find someone, they get to take it off so she knows she's found the right person.' Though that wasn't the truth it seemed to do the trick for Rose smiled a little and nodded, her little fingers working to loosen the velcro tabs. When the mask was off Bel sniffed at the little girl curiously and Rose began to laugh.

'That tickles!'

'That's how Bel says hello.' She explained. 'Why don't you give her a little pat then we'll find one of those cookies for you.'

Rose giggled again as Bel's long whiskers tickled her muddy cheek and placed her hand on the mare's velvet nose. 'Hello.' She said softly to the mare then looked back up at Maddie. 'I like Bel.'

'Well I think Bel likes you too.' The little girl didn't seem so frightened now and Maddie could see that she'd earnt her trust. 'You ready to go for a ride now?'

'Yes!'

She chuckled softly at the child's enthusiasm. 'Alright then. I'm gonna pop you up onto her back then I'll climb on up behind you, okay?' Rose nodded and she placed her up in the saddle then mounted after her. The child was so little she fit perfectly on the saddle in front of her and once she had tucked the coat back around her tightly, she checked she was comfortable. With Rose settled in she reached behind her into the saddle bag and pulled out a bottle of water and a cookie for her. 'Just a couple little sips.' She cautioned her as she gave her the bottle.

'Okay.' Rose did as she was instructed and swallowed a little bit of water before handing her back the bottle. 'Now can I have that cookie please?'

Maddie laughed softly. 'Yes, you may.'

'Thank you.'

'Eat it slowly now,' She cautioned. 'you don't want to make yourself sick.' Rose nodded, taking the tiniest of nibbles off the edge. 'Your Dad and Mom are pretty worried about you. What do you say we go back to them and let them know you're alright?'

'And Grampa?' She questioned.

'Yes, your Grampa is waiting for you too.'

'He's gonna be so mad at me...' Rose said sadly after a moment. 'He told me to stay near camp but I saw this pretty butterfly and-and I went to c-chase it-' The child started to sniffle again. 'A-and I got l-lost. I-I called and c-called but n-no one came.'

'Well I'm here now and everything's gonna be alright. Bel and I will get you back to your folks before you know it.' Maddie assured her. 'I think they're all going to be so glad you're okay.'

'I w-won't ever wander off again...' She promised, looking up at her rescuer. 'Thank you for finding me.'

Maddie smiled. 'You might have to thank Bel too, she was the one who really found you.'

Rose lent down, giving the mare a hug while still holding onto her cookie. 'Thank you Bel.'

'You ready to go back now?'

'Yes.'

'Alright then.' Rose sat back up as she picked the reins up again. 'Now I need to let them know that I've found you so you sit back, relax and enjoy the ride and Bel and I will have you to your folks in no time at all.'

'Okay.'

'Good girl.' The child began nibbling her cookie again as Maddie pulled her radio off her belt, Bel starting forward at the gentle touch of her heels. 'Maddie Walker to Base Camp. Come in.'

A moment later a reply came back over the two-way. 'Base camp. Go ahead, Maddie Walker.'

A smile was on her face as she started her report. 'I've found her...'

The sun had been set for a good hour by the time that Maddie and Bel finally neared the base camp, Rose having fallen asleep on the way. When Cordell and Cassie had heard that Maddie had found the child they'd headed in with the rest of the searchers to wait for their arrival. To say that everyone was relieved that the child had been found was an understatement. When the report had come through that the girl had been found everyone was ecstatic at the news. After four long days of searching they had finally managed to find the child and it was only because of Bel's nose and determination. Where Rose had been hidden no one had searched yet as it hadn't been included in the search. No one had honestly thought the girl could have gotten that far away from camp when in fact, that's exactly what she had done.

On her way in with Rose, Maddie was able to piece together the story of what had happened. Rose had been camping with her grandfather for the weekend and while he'd been getting breakfast organized she had gotten bored and found a butterfly. She'd chased it out into the forest and then had gotten herself lost and began wandering trying to find her way back to the camp. She'd found the creek that night and had stayed there so she could have water.

She was lucky, so very very lucky.

Maddie stifled another yawn as Bel steadily kept plodding along the trail knowing her strength was almost spent. She was beyond exhausted though overjoyed that they had been able to find the girl. Curling up in her warm bed at home sounded just like a fairy-tale to her and she couldn't wait to crawl into it and sleep for a month. Every muscle and bone in her body was aching from being in the saddle all day, even ones she didn't know she had. Now she could understand and sympathize with how her Dad had felt being in the saddle for the last three days straight.

The leaves in the trees beside her rustled and she had to swallow back the lump of fear in her throat as she shivered. She was freezing, having given her coat to the child hours ago to keep her warm. Not only was the cold not helping her cause, the fact that she was afraid of the dark didn't help either.

Rose shifted in front of her, the child yawning softly as she looked up at her. 'Maddie, are we there yet?'

'Almost little one.' She replied with a tired smile. 'Almost. Not much further now.' She assured her. 'We'll be there soon.'

'Feels like we've been walking forever...'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'It won't be much longer. Would you like another drink?'

'No thank you.'

'Alright. Go back to sleep then and when you wake up again we'll be there.'

'Okay...'

She felt the child rest her head back against her and before long Rose was asleep once more. An owl hooted in the trees above her, sending another shiver up her spine and she was thankful for the headlamps both she and Bel wore to light their way. Even though there wasn't much light in the dark forest it was something. You're okay... She told herself as she felt her heart begin to beat faster. Like you told Rose, it won't be much longer. You're almost back to camp.

Finally, through the darkness ahead, light could be seen. Base camp was in view now and it was a beautiful and welcome sight. Bel, catching onto her excitement, began to hasten her speed and Maddie roused Rose gently from her slumber. 'Wake up Rose, we're here.'

'There they are!'

A crowd hurried towards them as they emerged from the trees, Maddie calming Bel as the mustang snorted nervously at the sight of so many people coming towards them. 'Mommy!' Rose shouted excitedly as she saw her mother running to meet them.

'Oh baby girl.' Jenny Young slowed her pace as she came near the horse, holding out her arms to take her child. Maddie smiled as the woman took her daughter in her arms, her eyes misting at the sweet sight. 'Oh I've been so worried about you.'

'I'm okay mommy.' Rose replied, her little arms wrapped tightly around her mothers neck. 'Maddie and her pony found me.'

Jenny looked up at the teen as the rest of the crowd gathered around, her husband coming to stand beside her. 'Thank you.'

Maddie didn't trust her voice to reply and so just smiled at her, running a hand down Bel's neck. A moment later Jenny and her husband were swallowed up by the crowd, a couple paramedics joining them so they could check the girl over. Rose would be in good hands now, her job was complete.

With complete exhaustion washing over her, Maddie lent down over Bel's neck to give the mare a hug and pat. 'You did good my girl.' She praised, ignoring the flashing light of someone taking their picture. 'You did real good. I'm so proud of you Bel.'

'Maddie.'

Cordell saying her name caught her attention and she smiled as he hurried over to her. 'Hey Dad.'

'Let-let's get you down from there honey. You look exhausted.'

'Mmmhmm. That's an understatement.' Her muscles protested loudly as she swung her leg back over Bel's rump, her father there to help her stand once she'd dismounted. He kept an arm around her to give her support and she smiled up at him, Cordell placing a kiss on her head.

'I'm proud of you baby girl.'

Her smile widened as she hugged him back. 'I know.'

The crowd had begun to dissipate now that the excitement had died down though a couple of journalists were trying to reach Maddie to speak with her. Thankfully, Captain James steered them clear and with him keeping them distracted Cordell was able to move his daughter away. Cassie came over to them as they reached the trailer, offering to give them a hand to get Bel un-tacked and loaded up.

'Maddie-' Larry started as he and the former Captain of the Texas Rangers came over to speak with her. 'This is Alex Barton, Rose's grandfather.'

Though all Maddie wished to do was sit down and relax she stood and shook his hand with a smile. 'Sir.'

'Thank you for what you did today young lady.' Alex replied with gratitude. 'You and your horse are quite the team.'

'It's all her.' She said, giving her mare a pat as Cordell and Cassie returned from giving back the gear they had borrowed. 'Is Rose alright?'

'Apart from some bruises and such she'll be fine. They are going to transfer her to the hospital for overnight observation but she seems to be just fine.'

'I'm glad to hear that.' Maddie exclaimed with another smile then turned to Larry. 'Thank you Captain, for taking a chance on Bel and I.'

'No, I should be thanking you.' Larry replied. 'When your father rang me I was highly skeptical about it but I'm glad that I agreed for you to come along. You did good, Maddie Walker.'

'I'll admit I was skeptical too-' Cordell agreed as he placed his arm around his youngest daughter. 'But I-I am glad you both proved us all very wrong.'

They spoke for a little longer then Cordell excused them saying he needed to get Maddie home. Though Maddie was tired she brushed Bel over herself and her dad helped load the mustang up then they were finally on their way.

Maddie definitely was exhausted but happy too as they drove out of the campground and onto the road, staring out the window into the night. She was just so glad that the day had a good outcome, that they had managed to find the child and that she would be alright. That was all that mattered.

As Cordell drove home he glanced over at his daughter, Maddie dead to the world not five minutes after they had started. She tried not to show it but the day had been rather tiring for her. After all, she was only fifteen and even though she tried to be an adult she was still very much a young teenager. She'd almost given him a heart attack when she and Bel had headed down that canyon wall but the main thing was that they'd found the girl. He wouldn't be so quick to dismiss Bel's abilities again.

When they pulled up at home Bonham, Abeline, Liam, Stella and August all came out to meet them. Maddie was still half asleep as Cordell helped her out of the car and after seeing how tired she was, Bonham and Liam offered to go take care of Bel for her. Maddie went to protest, saying that she could manage but a single look from Abeline silenced her and she reluctantly agreed for them to tend her horse.

After a quick shower and a brief bite to eat, Maddie headed to her room. Her bed had never looked as good as it did to her right then and sleep had never been so inviting... Cordell walked in a moment later to find her already asleep, his daughter having not even bothered to pull the covers up. Gently he placed the blankets up around her shoulders and tucked her in, pressing a kiss to her forehead before he walked out. It had been a very long day.