Hero's Journey Read Online Free PDF Page B

puppy. She was disappointed that she didn’t see anything, and that there hadn’t been any reports about him all afternoon.
    She backed the Cherokee close to the front porch stairs. She’d found that she could hand the grocery bags to Eric and he could put them in the kitchen.
    Sometimes he floated the bags into the kitchen without even moving from the stairs. A few people, including Walt Fenway and some ladies from the pepper festival committee, had witnessed this phenomenon. It added to the mystique that the cabin was indeed haunted.
    â€œAny word about Hero?” Eric asked Stella.
    â€œNot yet. There are flyers up from Sevierville to Sweet Pepper. I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.” She handed him two bags of groceries. “I’m trying not to think about it.”
    â€œI’m sorry. This is my fault for getting so carried away about the chimney sweep. I forgot all about Hero.”
    â€œHe should’ve been fine. He never leaves the perimeter without you knowing about it. I can’t imagine what happened.”
    â€œWere you able to get in touch with the chimney sweep? He was the only person up here all day, until you brought the fire brigade. I would’ve noticed strangers in the woods, even with the chimney sweep here.”
    Once the bags were out of the Cherokee, Stella closed the back door of the vehicle. “I haven’t heard from him yet. He’ll probably call tonight after he’s done working.”
    â€œWhere does he live? Maybe you should go and wait for him.”
    â€œI don’t know where he lives, Eric. I know he’ll call when he gets my message. I’m sure it’s going to be okay.”
    He went inside with her. “You’re not sure. I know you well enough by now to know when you’re lying. You’re worried too.”
    â€œI’m worried,” she agreed. “I think he’ll be all right because I don’t want to think about him being any other way.”
    â€œYou’re not so tough. I knew there was a heart in that chest.”
    â€œYeah, well, don’t tell anyone else.” She started putting away the groceries. She’d bought extra cans of Coke to see her through this emergency.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œWhat does it look like?” She held up a can of Coke in one hand and a dozen eggs in the other.
    â€œI can do this. I can’t look for Hero. You go look for him. I’ll take care of the groceries.”
    She put down the eggs but kept the Coke with her. “Yes, sir. You know, there can’t be two chiefs in one brigade.”
    â€œYou’re right.” There was a smile and a twinkle in his strange blue eyes. “I appoint you assistant chief here. That will have to do for now.”
    â€œHuh. I don’t even have any hope of you dying and leaving a vacancy for me to fill. That’s not fair.”
    â€œGet out of here. Look for the dog. Don’t come back without him.”
    Stella found herself abruptly scooted out of the kitchen and on to the porch. The door slammed closed behind her.
    Eric had a way of getting his point across.
    In this case, she agreed. She was wasting daylight hours. She took the Cherokee back down the mountain and picked up the Harley.
    She cruised along at a slow rate of speed on the main road, ignoring the angry drivers and honking horns.
    There was no sign of Hero in the ditch along the road to Sweet Pepper. She was grateful for that. She’d have to leave town before dark to check the other side on the way back.
    Stella parked the Harley outside of the Sweet Pepper Café. Ricky Hutchins worked here with his parents, Lucille and Ricky Senior. The couple was popular and well liked in town. They even dressed up as their namesakes on Halloween—Lucy and Ricky from the classic TV show.
    Lucille came right over when she saw Stella. “Have you found the missing puppy? We’ve been telling everyone who