They both checked the house again, calling for him all the while. One thing was certain. Billy Ray wasn't in the house. She was really beginning to worry. She looked at Ma.
"Where would he go in the middle of the night?"
Ma looked toward the front door. "I heard them ATV's awhile ago."
Mary Jo caught her breath. "I thought it was thunder that woke me. When I didn't hear any more, I thought I must have dreamed it. Then I heard Billy Ray's door. I thought he was going to the outhouse, but he never came back."
Ma set the lamp on the table and wrung her hands. "You don't spose he went to check on Monroe…."
A cold feeling came over Mary Jo that had nothing to do with the night chill. He had never left the place alone, but he certainly knew the way to the camp - right down the road where the ATV's would travel. If he was out there, he was in danger - and they had no car or phone.
"I'll get dressed and ride Ol' Ned over there."
Ma opened her mouth as if she was going to object, but she shut it again. Was there a choice? Someone had to check on Billy Ray and Ma couldn't ride with that messed up leg.
Mary Jo went to her room and dressed in warm clothing. When she came out, Ma was dressed too. She followed Mary Jo to the barn and watched her saddle Ol' Ned. When she walked him outside, Ma was there beside her, watching as she mounted. She handed the lantern to Mary Jo.
"You be careful." She shook her head. "Pa is going to be madder'n a hornet when he hears about this."
Mary Jo looked at the lantern for a moment and then shook her head. "I can probably see better in the moonlight without it, and I don't want to announce my presence. Ol' Ned can see."
Ma appeared to be satisfied with her logic. She stepped back. "Hurry back."
"I will. If he went to the camp, Barrett will bring him back. If he does, I'll see him on the road, so I'm going that way. If the ATV's come back, I'll ride off the road until they pass."
It was a good plan, but she was still shivering inside as she nudged Ol' Ned into a fast walk. She didn't meet Barrett coming their way, but she didn't encounter any ATV's either. When she got to the camp, there were no lights. Barrett's vehicle was there, so he was probably asleep. Where was Billy Ray?