“Dunno.”

“Where is he?”

“Dunno.”

Witt let out a sigh and stared at Nelson with an intensity that had made loggers with inch-thick hides squirm. “You know where he is.”

“No!”

“But you know something,” Witt prodded, sensing that the boy was holding back. Hell, what a bunch of headstrong kids he was raising.

“I, uh, saw him leave the party,” Nelson admitted sullenly, looking as if he thought he was Benedict Arnold, for Christ’s sake!

Witt didn’t move. “Leave? When?”

Katherine walked over to Nelson. “It must have been after Witt cut the cake, because I saw him earlier.”

Nelson nodded mutely.

So Kat had kept her eye on Zach. “Was London with him?” Witt demanded, already knowing the answer.

Nelson shook his head furiously, his long blond hair brushing the back of his shoulders. “He left alone, didn’t want to be bothered.”

“Why didn’t you tell us this earlier?” Katherine seemed tense enough to slap the boy.

“I didn’t want to get him in trouble.”

“London’s missing!” she screamed. She was at the breaking point, nearly hysterical, not making a lot of sense. “I don’t give a damn about your brother getting his ass in trouble again!”

Witt stepped between his son and young wife. “We don’t know anything. Not yet. Let’s not go jumping to conclusions.”

“That kid’s always had a mean streak,” Katherine said. “I didn’t want to believe it, but I wouldn’t put it past him to-”

“Enough!” Witt turned his attention on his oldest son, who had watched the exchange with a hint of amusement on his lips. “You think this is funny?” he roared.