Timmy could see the same determination in the men's eyes. They nodded, one of them saying, "We'll get on it."
Timmy managed a tired, grateful smile. "Thanks," he said softly. But the weight of disappointment still hung on him as he made his way back to the small cottage where Samuel was.
When Timmy stepped inside, the soft sound of Samuel's breathing was the first thing he noticed. Samuel was still asleep, his face relaxed, unaware of everything that had happened that night.
Timmy stood there for a moment, watching him, feeling his heart grow heavier. He didn't know how he was going to tell Samuel that they hadn't found James, that they had been mistaken.
Quietly, Timmy slipped into the room. He moved to a chair by the window and sat down, his body aching with exhaustion. He rested his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes, but sleep wouldn't come.
