[The fond smile fades. His voice is already rough, but now it sounds a little thin and tight.]

He’s a smart kid. Real bright, but real nervous. I got to talk to him, at least, let him know we’re gonna get him back.

[He props his elbows on the table, bows his head, and presses his palms to his forehead to hide his face from view.]

...He musta been so... [His throat chokes up around the word “scared.”]