5/2 9:07

"The weather service forecasts this storm system will make landfall the day after tomorrow. Downstream communities along the Dixie Valley — Meuse, Dade, and Peachtree — should watch for heavy rainfall, and low-lying areas should take precautions against..."

Hugo switched off the radio and got out of the car. Thunder rumbled somewhere off in the sky, but not a single drop of rain had fallen yet; the muggy heat set everyone's nerves on edge. Young Frantz came walking up from the riverbank and waved to him.

"Thanks so much for coming, Officer."

"No need, this is what I'm here for." Hugo tugged at the brim of his hat. "I heard what you told me on the phone. Where is it?"

Young Frantz pointed toward the bank. "Right down there, by the cooler he always uses to keep his fish on ice."

Hugo walked down to the water's edge — footprints sunk deep in the mud, a folding camo stool, a bucket, and an empty cooler.

"Did you see a fishing rod, or any of his tackle?"

"No, Officer. This morning after I heard from Mr. Louis about their bet, I searched along the river until just past seven, and this is all I found."

"You think he might've fallen in the river?"

"I thought the same thing, but he can swim, and swim well too. You know the recreation center out by the reserve, with the big pool?"

"The half-outdoor one right next to the Meuse, where you can watch the alligators while you swim?"

"That's the one. He's a member there. But he's always had that irregular heartbeat, and I'm worried."

"From what I know of Old Frantz, he's not the type to walk away from a fishing bet just to go for a swim."

"I figure he's more the type to give up and go drinking instead. But I checked every bar in town last night and didn't find him. It wasn't until this morning, right before I was going to call the police, that Mr. Louis mentioned the bet, and that's when I came down to the river to look."

"Either way, he's gone missing by the river too. That's a little strange."

"Missing by the river too?"

"The Brown boy, Joey, same thing. Don't go spreading that around, though. I'll ask the Sheriff for some manpower today, see if we can search along the river this afternoon."

"Thanks, Officer. If you need to tell me anything, or if you find my dad, I'll be around here all day. If you see a little blue pickup, that's mine."

"Good, understood."