by D. K. Hood
“Wolfe is here, and so is Webber. The fire department ETA is still about ten minutes. It looks good from this end, keep moving slow and easy.” Kane cleared his throat. “Don’t risk letting go to press your mic to communicate. Wolfe has Emily’s tracker on his cellphone.”
Jenna turned her head to look at Emily. “Kane is talking to me through my com and your dad can hear you through your tracker. Kane told me it all looks good ahead, no more damage. Can you move a little faster?”
“I’ll try.” Emily had a determined expression on her face.
The bridge shuddered and whined with every step and the howling wind tugged at their clothes. Aware the next step could have them tumbling to their deaths, Jenna kept up a conversation with Emily, and having her there bolstered her courage. They passed by Lyons. He’d stopped whimpering and had climbed up to hook one arm over a metal strut. Above him was an empty gap and twisted metal; he had no place to go and remained suspended in midair. She glanced to the entrance to the bridge and a chill ran through her. Wolfe was there with a rope in hand but he obviously thought the bridge would not support another person’s weight.
Twenty yards to go, she could clearly make out everyone’s faces. Kane and Wolfe stood at the edge of the bridge, feet spread and ready to grasp them the moment they arrived. Jenna sighed with relief. “Not much further, Em, keep going.”
The next moment a ripping scream cut through the thunder of the falls, the bridge shuddered, and a noise like the devil himself had leapt out of hell echoed through the mountains. “Hang on, Em.” Jenna wrapped her arms around the handrail and her legs around the metal support bar. She turned to see Emily copy her.
In an almighty roar of tearing metal, the second cable broke, slingshotting them at an incredible speed toward the side of the ravine. Behind her, Jenna could hear Emily screaming as they flew through the air. She clung on tight as they shot toward the edge of the rapids. Sheer force plucked them from the bridge and they fell, crashing into the thick undergrowth lining the ravine. Pain shot through Jenna’s arm as they tumbled together, bouncing over rocks toward the fast-flowing rapids. The ground and sky became a blur of colors. Air rushed from her lungs and then the world went black.
Fifty
Kane watched in horror as the bridge swung back in a scream of twisted metal. Jenna and Emily were nowhere in sight, but Lyons had been flung up and onto the bank. He was within reach. When Wolfe ran up beside him, Kane grimaced. “I can reach Lyons. I’ll go down; toss me down the rope and haul him up.”
“And leave Emily and Jenna? No damn way.” Wolfe stared down the rapids.
“We can’t leave him there, and I figure they’ve been thrown onto the side of the ravine downstream a ways.” Kane slapped Wolfe on the back. “I didn’t see them fall into the water and Emily was strapped to Jenna; they’ll be together.”
“Jenna, do you copy?” Wolfe sounded desperate.
Nothing.
“You’d better hurry.” Wolfe glared at Kane. “That son of a bitch isn’t worth saving.”
Kane wanted to agree but had a duty of care to Lyons. He turned away and dropped over the rock face. Moments later, he found Lyons battered and bruised but trying desperately to climb up. He got behind Lyons and pushed him up ahead of him. At the top, he forced him down on a boulder. He had to keep Webber’s involvement a secret and stared at Lyons. “Rest a while and then follow us with Webber. Take off and I’ll arrest both of you. Understand?”
He took Lyons’ nods as affirmative and turned to Wolfe. “Bring the rope. Webber, call 911 and get the paramedics here pronto, and then wait where we descend and direct the firefighters to our position when they arrive.” He gave Webber and Lyons a long look. “I’m trusting you to do the right thing. Lives are at risk—can I count on you?”
“Yes, sir.” Webber pulled out his phone. “We’ll do as you ask.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Lyons held his head.
Kane picked up Jenna’s jacket and weapon and then took off at a run with Wolfe close behind him. They charged down the trail, crashing through the bushes lining the edge of the ravine. The wall of the gorge fell away in layers, some with pines and juniper bushes growing among the boulders. The moss-covered rocks and damp vegetation made it slippery underfoot. He slowed, searching in all directions for Jenna and Emily.
“There.” Wolfe pointed to a huge boulder resting precariously on the edge of the rapids. “See them?”
Kane could just make out the arm hanging limply over a juniper bush. He pressed his mic. “Jenna. Jenna, do you copy?”
Nothing.
“Emily, Jenna!” Wolfe cupped his hands around his mouth. “Call out!”
Only the sound of rushing water came from below. Kane dropped Jenna’s things and then looked around wildly for a suitable tree. He grabbed Wolfe’s rope, tied it securely, and then tossed it down the ravine. “I’ll go first. Do you want me to carry the medical supplies?”
“No way.” Wolfe gave him a stare to freeze the rapids. “You’re wasting time.”
“Okay.” Kane dragged gloves from his jacket pocket and pulled them on. “I hope you have gloves.” He grabbed the rope and started backward down the ravine.
“I never leave home without them.” Wolfe stared after him. “I’ll be right behind you.”
As he made his way down, a feeling of dread fell over Kane. No cries of pain or pleas for help drifted up to him, only the roar of the falls. No sound came through his earpiece. Yeah, Jenna could’ve lost her com in the fall, but heck, she was tough and she’d call out if she’d seen them. Jenna had been close to death too many times this week and determined not to allow her to die, he dropped onto a ledge and crawled to the edge to peer over. “Oh, shit.”
Kane’s gut tightened in anguish at the sight of Jenna and Emily wedged between the rock face and a massive boulder hanging precariously above the fast-flowing water. On each side, the soil had eroded, leaving little support. He assessed the situation and turned as Wolfe moved to his side. “I know you want to go rushing down there but we can’t risk dislodging the rock; it’s hanging by a thread. We’ll have to split up and move in slow.” He scanned the area, taking into consideration each foothold. “We’ll head for the flat rock. That area appears stable, and if I can reach them, I should be able to pull them clear before the boulder falls into the rapids. If you take the right and use the saplings as handholds, I’ll go down the rocks to the left, it’s faster.”
“It’s almost a sheer drop.” Wolfe stared at him and then nodded. “Okay, I figure if anyone can climb down there and survive, you can.” He hoisted up his backpack and moved off at once.
Kane dropped over the edge of the ravine and, finding footholds in the rock face, moved down at a steady pace. He’d reach the women first and swallowed hard at the thought of finding them both dead. His heart raced and sweat beaded on his brow but fear had no place in a rescue mission. He dragged in a deep breath and dropped into the zone, pushing his emotions into the far reaches of his mind and only concentrating on the task ahead. To his right he could hear Wolfe calling out to Jenna and Emily every few minutes. From above he heard voices; the firefighters had arrived and one glance skyward confirmed they were getting organized to drop down stretchers.
Relieved help was at hand, he kept moving, ignoring the constant cold spray lashing him. The handholds moved unnervingly under his fingers and his boots slipped on the moss-covered rocks. He glanced down and, gripping the base of a juniper bush, slid down the last few feet to land on the flattened plateau five yards away from Jenna and Emily. Remaining cool and professional now could mean the difference between life and death for his friends. He examined the immediate area then moved forward, taking careful steps. The loose rocks beneath his boots shifted with each step and rushed down like birdshot to pelt Jenna’s back. Her arm moved and then her head. “Jenna, can you hear me? Don’t move.”
“Oh, shit.” Jenna turned her head toward him. “I think my arm’s broken. What happe
ned?”
“You’re suffocating me.” Emily’s muffled voice came from behind her.
Gut tightening with relief at hearing their voices, Kane shuffled closer and raised his voice. “Don’t move! You’re hanging just above the rapids. Wait for me and I’ll pull you clear.”
“Wait!” Wolfe came in from his right, crawling on all fours. “Don’t move them, they might have spinal injuries.”
“I’m sore all over but my back and neck seem okay.” Jenna turned her head to look at Emily. “You okay, Em?” Jenna looked back at Kane, her face filled with concern. “She has a head injury. She’s bleeding real bad.”
“I can move my fingers and toes. My ankle is hurting and I’ve got blood in my eyes.” Emily’s voice sounded surprisingly calm. “Sore lower back but everything seems okay, Dad.”
Kane edged closer and glanced over at Wolfe. His next move could send the women falling to their deaths. Directly in front of him, the rock face dipped slightly but had a ridge wide enough for him to stand. To get both women to safety, he’d have to drag them out at the same time and then roll back onto the flat rock, bringing them with him. He didn’t have time to explain, and the expression on Wolfe’s face told him he was fully aware of the danger. “Jenna, are you still tied together with the belts?”
“I can’t tell.” Jenna frowned. “I’m stuck tight against Em.”
“Okay.” Kane watched in horror as small rocks rained down on each side of Jenna as the underpinning of the boulder slipped away. “Emily, can you move real slow and wrap both arms around Jenna’s waist and hold on tight? Jenna, hang on to Emily. I’m going to have to pull you out. It’s going to be rough.”
Heart thundering, he waited for Jenna’s signal. “Okay, here we go. Hang on.”
Wind and icy spray pelted Kane as he stepped onto the narrow rock, spread his feet, and bent his knees. He took hold of Jenna’s belt with one hand and slid the other around her thigh. The boulder moved, slipping another inch toward the swirling rapids. It was now or never. He sucked in a deep breath and, using every ounce of strength, lifted the women out of the crevice. One step, two, and then three backward had them falling back onto the plateau in a tangle of bodies. He rolled Jenna toward him and grabbed Emily’s arm to prevent her slipping away. He winced at her blood-soaked young face blinking up at him. Wolfe dove in to help and they all sat on the plateau, breathing heavily. A grinding noise tore through the air like a chainsaw and the massive boulder shifted then rolled like an out-of-control bowling ball into the ravine. The almighty crash vibrated through the mountain, sending a shower of dust and pebbles over them. Kane looked down at Jenna and shook the dust from his head. “That was too close.”
“Are you guys alright down there?” A voice came from above Kane. “We’re on our way down.”
Kane looked up at the faces of the firefighters and gave them a wave. He looked down at Jenna. “Help is on its way.”
As Wolfe tended to his daughter, Kane eased Jenna into a sitting position and unbelted her from Emily. Jenna shivered and he shrugged out of his jacket and wrapped it gently around her. She had scratches and bruises and bits of grass and twigs sticking in her hair, but somehow she’d survived. “I’m starting to wonder how many lives you have. This is your second dice with death this week.”
“Says the man who just climbed down a sheer rock face without a rope.” Wolfe grinned at him as he removed his jacket and covered Emily. “How many for you, Dave? You must be into three figures by now.”
Kane shrugged. “I don’t think about it.”
“Me either.” Jenna frowned. “I wouldn’t make a very good sheriff if I worried about getting hurt. It’s the nature of the game.” She sucked in a deep breath and looked at Wolfe. “I’m not going to make it back up top without pain meds. I’m okay, no headache or dizziness.”
“That bad, huh?” Wolfe wrapped a bandage around Emily’s head. “Dave, there’s morphine in my field kit. Check her eyes; if she looks okay, you can give her a shot.” He slid the kit toward him.
Kane made Jenna look into the sun then back a few times. She was freezing cold but lucid, and her pupils reacted normally. “She looks fine.” He pulled out the plastic container labeled “Morphine” and took out a prepared syringe. The sight brought back memories. He’d carried the same pack during his tour of duty. Without any preamble, he pulled up the leg of Jenna’s shorts and plunged the needle into her thigh. When she let out a howl of protest, he caught the flash of anger in her eyes. “Okay, which arm hurts?”
“The left.” Jenna trembled against him. “I must have put it out to break our fall.” She supported the wrist with her other hand and grimaced. “It feels broken.”
“Hmm, looks painful. I’ll wrap it but the paramedics are on their way. They’ll be here by the time the firefighters have you up top.” Kane narrowed his eyes on her. “You’re going to the hospital, so no complaints, okay?” Small rocks pelted them and he glanced up. “The fire department are on their way down. You’ll get to ride up in a stretcher.”
“I hate those things.” She indicated toward the twisted metal dangling over the ravine. “Did Lyons make it?”
Kane looked up from bandaging her wrist and nodded. “Yeah, he’s waiting up top with Webber.”
“Some guy gave me a bunch of flash drives and said Lyons had dropped them.” Jenna looked up at him. “They might be the evidence we need to arrest him. He might have been the killer after all.”
It was dark by the time Kane made his way back down the mountain with Rowley and Wolfe. He’d insisted Webber go to the hospital after noticing the bruising on his neck. After Emily had insisted she was fine and didn’t need to have her dad along, Wolfe had reluctantly remained behind. Although a small group of people had gathered to watch the firefighters in action, they’d soon dispersed once the paramedics had taken everyone down the mountain. He’d asked the bystanders if any of them had handed Jenna the flash drives but no one had come forward.
“Why is this guy so important?” Rowley glanced at him.
Kane pulled the flash drives from his pocket. “He’s a witness. When Lyons ran onto the bridge after Emily, he dropped these drives. Lyons is insisting someone was up there threatening him and they got into a fight. I was on scene seconds later and I didn’t see anyone.”
“Did Jenna recognize him?” Wolfe fell into step beside Kane.
“Nope.” Kane pocketed the flash drives again. “She didn’t see where he went because she was watching what was happening on the bridge.”
“Emily would’ve seen the fight, but after sustaining a head injury, there’s no way I’m going to allow questioning until I’m sure she’s okay.” Wolfe raised one eyebrow. “Are we clear on that, Kane?”
“Sure.” Kane shrugged. “I guess the doctors won’t allow us near Lyons either. I’d sure like to know if he accidentally dropped the flash drives or if it was an attempt to dispose of them in the ravine.”
“If they’re the missing ones from the safe at the frat house.” Wolfe frowned. “How did they get into Lyons’ possession? Unless he took them.”
Kane looked at Rowley. “Did you watch everyone coming down the trail?”
“Yeah, and I’ve taken photos of everyone.” Rowley slid his phone out of his pocket and opened the file. “Recognize any of them?”
Kane stopped walking and scanned each image. “Nope. Jenna said the guy she spoke to was tall and muscular with a buzz cut. He had a blue cap hanging out the back pocket of his jeans and wore a black T-shirt.” He paused at the images of Jones and Stein. “Where did our suspects go?”
“They went to their vehicles and drove away.” Rowley took back his phone. “They came off the trail about five minutes apart. They never returned. I figure they went back to their dorms.”
Kane rubbed his chin. “I’m heading home to get out of these wet clothes. I’ll feed Duke and settle the horses and then take some clothes to the hospital for Jenna.” He looked at Rowley as they walked into the parki
ng lot. “There’s nothing more we can do today. I’ll leave you to lock up. We’ll talk to Lyons in the morning. I figure he’ll be kept in hospital overnight.”
“Roger that.” Rowley smiled at him. “Can you give me a ride to the office?”
Kane nodded. “Yeah.” He turned to Wolfe and frowned. His friend’s expression had turned to granite. “What’s up?”
“What’s up, he says as if he didn’t risk Emily’s and Jenna’s lives up there. It’s just another day’s work for you, isn’t it, Kane?” Wolfe’s eyes bored into him. “Just so we’re on the same page, this is the last time you’re involving any of my daughters in one of your crazy schemes. Emily could’ve died today. It ends here, Kane, or I’m walking. Have I made myself clear?”
“Perfectly.” Kane met his stare. “We had her covered, but I didn’t account for the bridge collapsing. You were listening on the com, Jenna ordered her to run to me.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, man. You should know I’d never intentionally place any of your kids in danger. You’re like family, and Jenna would rip me a new one if you left Black Rock Falls. She loves those girls like sisters.”
Not sure, for once in his life, how to handle the situation, he waited for ages as Wolfe stared into space, his anger palpable. Beside him, Rowley had an expression of disbelief on his face. Kane cleared his throat. He had to say something to encourage Wolfe to stay. “You have my word, Shane. That used to mean something.”
“Okay.” Wolfe gave him a curt nod. “There’s something you need to do for me before you hightail it up to the hospital to see Jenna.”
Kane opened his hands. “Just say the word.”
“Take a look at the flash drives and call me. I’m not sure I can wait until tomorrow to know if they’re the evidence we need in the Chrissie Lowe case.” Wolfe’s mouth turned down. “If they’re the missing drives, Lyons sure had us fooled.”
