Torrents of Destruction

by Robin Caroll

  Remaining silent, Katie nodded and concentrated on the terrain. She picked her steps carefully, avoiding any possible disruption of Christian’s injury.

  “He’ll be all right, Katie.”

  She jerked her head at the intensity of his words. His stare filled her with happiness, pure unadulterated joy. She smiled at him, feeling the warmth creep up from inside. “I know.”

  “So … tell me when you realized God didn’t abandoned you?” His dark chocolate eyes twinkled. “I imagine you’re bursting to share.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Because I was the same way.” He paused. “So, tell me all about it.”

  “Well,” she grinned even as she worked to keep Christian upright, “Jerry knocked me out.”

  Hunter’s eyes clouded over and fury washed across his face.

  She shook her head. “No, it’s okay.” Taking in a deep breath, she let the air out slowly. “I regained consciousness and thought I must have a concussion because I heard a voice. Not like Jerry or anybody talking—the voice came from inside my head.”

  Hunter nodded and pulled Christian toward him, taking on more of his weight.

  “I thought I was going crazy, hearing things and all. Then I realized God spoke to my heart.” At the memory, goosebumps prickled her arms, even though she sweated. “And I just knew, deep inside, that He was there, waiting for me to run into His open arms.” Katie blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears of joy. They escaped the corners of her eyes despite her attempts.

  “Oh, Katie. That’s wonderful.” Hunter’s eyes glistened in the smatterings of sunbeams cutting through the canopy of leaves.

  She sniffed back hiccups. “And a feeling of such peace and love came over me. Like, like … I can’t even describe it.”

  Behind Christian’s back, Hunter squeezed her hand. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  Smiling, Katie stared at the ground again. Her heart filled with happiness and acceptance. Now, she only had to find the courage to ask Hunter if he’d meant what he’d said.

  She hauled in a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds, then let it out in a whoosh. “Hunter?”

  “Yeah?”

  She really wanted Hunter to want to see about a relationship with her.

  “Uh … about before …”

  A dog’s high-pitched bark cut off her question.

  Hunter narrowed his eyes as thrashing and footfalls slushed up ahead on the path, careening down toward them at a rapid speed. He braced himself as Shadow came into view, obviously moving as fast as he could on his splinted leg. He took Christian’s weight off Katie, whose eyes lit up.

  The dog barreled straight for them. At least Paul hadn’t killed her beloved pet.

  Katie cried out and dropped to her knees, holding her arms open wide.

  Shadow barreled into her, his entire backend wagging in lieu of a tail.

  Burying her face in the dog’s fur, Katie crooned and whispered. She finally stood, new tears shining in her eyes. Her happiness could send his spirits soaring high above the treetops. Katie could make him forget about the danger lurking ahead.

  Excitement radiating from her like the welcome sun after so much rain, Katie looped her arm around Christian’s waist. “Come on, Christian. Not much farther until you can rest for a minute.” Her smile widened as she hobbled along, but his heart ached. Would they find Ariel and Orson dead?

  Happiness bubbled up in Hunter’s throat, and he couldn’t explain why. Being in her presence made him content. An emotion he hadn’t felt in ages. Now that he enjoyed it, even in these rough circumstances, he realized how much he’d missed it.

  Thank You, Lord. Thank You, thank You, thank You.

  He opened his mouth, intending to tell her he wanted to get to know her better, like on a real date, when Christian drooped.

  Katie gave under his weight, slumping down to land on her knees.

  Hunter tightened his grip on Christian’s waist, bearing all of his weight. He lowered Katie’s brother to the ground, then checked his pulse. Slow and thready, but present.

  Shadow barked once, then turned and scampered up the pathway, only slightly dragging his broken leg.

  Hunter situated Christian so his head rested in Katie’s lap. She wiped at his face with the edge of her sweater, her tears wetting her brother’s face. “Oh, Christian, wake up. Come on, it’s going to be okay. You need to fight. Come on, open your eyes and look at me.”

  Hunter stared at them. He swallowed as she looked at him, her eyes pleading for assurances that her brother would live. He pressed his lips together and cleared his throat. “I’ll run ahead to find help.”

  Katie’s eyes widened. Wetness cloaked the silvery orbs. Hunter leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. He pulled away, intending to head up the mountain, when he heard Ariel’s ear-splitting scream.

  “Hunter!”

  Relief flooded his system. He sprinted into a run. His knees looked like pistons popping up and down as he built up speed while he climbed.

  “Hunter!”

  The desperation in his partner’s voice propelled him faster. “Ariel!”

  Unmindful of the nicks and cuts on his hands, Hunter utilized every tree and shrub he could in his race to reach Ariel. Seconds later, he glanced over his shoulder. He couldn’t see Katie and Christian. He had to find his partner. “Ariel, where are you?”

  Shadow darted between his legs and barked. The dog scampered up the path, turned and looked back at Hunter, and whimpered before running out of sight.

  Hunter hauled in a big breath, then pushed himself back into a sprint, following the hop-a-long dog. He rounded a curve and tripped over something, sending him sprawling in the mud, face first.

  “Hunter!” Ariel’s sharp shout caused him to push up on his arms and shake his head, removing the chunks of earth.

  Rolling over into a sitting position, he swiped at the remaining mud and glanced around. Orson lay in the middle of the path, the object Hunter had tripped over. Even he, who grimaced off and on from the pain of his leg, chuckled at Hunter. “Son, you look like one of those creatures in a B-grade horror movie.”

  Ariel laughed so hard, she bent at the waist, holding her sides. She perched on the edge of a large boulder, just off the main path. Her face turned a brighter shade of red as she gulped for air. “You … you …” Fits of laughter overtook her again. She cackled until tears ran down her cheeks.

  Hunter stood, his hands on his hips. “I thought you were calling because you were in trouble.”

  “I am.” She sobered immediately. “I can’t pull Orson anymore and Paul got away from me.” Her face lost all traces of humor. “He’s the real culprit, Hunter, not Jerry. He shot us.”

  “Shot you? Then . . . how. . ..”

  She shook her head and lowered her eyes. “When I reloaded after shooting the bear, I must’ve accidentally put in blanks that I carry for target practice. The shots stunned us, but we’re okay. We’ll be sporting some seriously nasty bruises tomorrow, but we’re alive.”

  “How’d he get out of the handcuffs, Ariel?” His voice sounded low, but stern, while his heart thumped wildly against his ribs. “Please don’t tell me you took them off.”

  A blush crept over her face. “He conned me.”

  His heart sank to his knees. He shook his head. “Ariel, you know better. You’re trained.”

  “I know, I know. But he said he needed to go to the bathroom. I didn’t think I had a choice.”

  “You understand procedure.”

  She pressed her lips together until they turned white. “I’m sorry.” Tears welled in her Caribbean-blue eyes. “And when he was done taking care of his personal business, I needed help with Orson.” She ran a hand over her hair. “I’m so sorry, Hunter.” Her gaze drifted over his face. “Where is he?”

  “Tied up with what’s left of my shirt about two hundred yards to the left and about four clicks down.” Tossing her service firearm to her, he nodded. “I thin
k this belongs to you.”

  Ariel grabbed her gun and shoved it into her waistband. Her eyes drifted to Shadow, who stood next to Hunter. “Where are Katie and Christian?”

  “Down the path. Paul almost shot Katie.”

  Ariel sucked in air and covered her mouth with her hand again. “She okay?”

  He nodded. “She’s fine. Christian took the bullet for her.” He watched his partner’s face to see her reaction. She didn’t disappoint.

  “No!” She yelled as she rose, hovered for a moment, then slumped back down on the rock. Her face wreathed in misery and tears flowed down her face.

  Guilt at not telling her the whole truth knocked him in the gut. “He’s okay, Ariel. An in-and-out shot.”

  She lifted her head to stare at him, not bothering to hide her crying.

  “But,” he held up a finger, “he’s lost a lot of blood and he’s unconscious.”

  Ariel rose again. “Let’s go get him.”

  Hunter nodded, then turned to Orson. “You going to be okay here?”

  “Let’s see, Jerry’s dead and Paul’s tied up nice and tight. Yeah, I’ll be fine.” The older man nodded. “Go get that young man. Ariel brought the first-aid kit with us. I’ll get some stuff ready.” He nodded at Hunter. “Go.”

  Shadow rushed down the path, scampering on his broken leg until he hobbled out of view.

  Making fast tracks, Ariel at his side, Hunter felt as if a load had settled back over his shoulders. Sure, Paul was contained and Jerry no longer a threat, but what about the kingpin at the top of the mountain waiting on him?

  “Are you sure he’s okay, Hunter?”

  Keeping pace with Ariel’s shorter jogging stride, he nodded. “Yeah. You really care a lot about him, huh?”

  “Yeah, I guess I do.” She sighed and matched his steps. “You know, this started out as a routine assignment, but now…”

  “Now it’s different?”

  She nodded. “Yeah.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  Ariel cocked her head, staring up at her partner. “You do?”

  Hunter smiled as he caught sight of Katie rocking Christian. “Yeah, I do.”

  Chapter 25

  Katie snapped up her head as Hunter and Ariel approached. They had to be close . . . Shadow had returned and still sat with his body pressed against hers. Part of her heart begged her to rush into Hunter’s arms while another part held her in place, still cradling Christian’s head in her lap. As if she were being ripped in two, Katie let fat tears wash her face.

  Ariel ran to her side and dropped to her knees, her fingers feeling Christian’s wrist for a pulse. “Has he regained consciousness?”

  Clenching her jaw, Katie shook her head.

  Hunter knelt behind Katie, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. His face so close, his breath tickled her ear as he spoke. “Ariel got top scores in emergency first-aid in the field. Let her help.”

  Tension slid down Katie’s spine and she leaned back into Hunter. He tightened his grip and kissed her temple. Even in such a chaotic situation, the thrill of his touch moved her.

  Ariel struck Christian’s cheek repeatedly with a firm, yet gentle slap.

  Shadow growled, but didn’t move away from Katie, who laid a hand on the dog’s neck.

  Christian’s eyes flickered open, staring up into the leaves of the treetops. He moved his gaze to Ariel’s face, blinked several times, then smiled. “Ariel?”

  She smiled back, running a caressing finger down the side of his face. “Hey, you. How’re you feeling?”

  “Like I’ve been shot.”

  Everyone laughed. Katie’s spirit lifted once more. One thought ran through her mind, like a stuck record player: Thank You, Lord. Thank You.

  “Let’s get you up.” Hunter shifted around Katie, hoisting Christian to his feet.

  Christian swayed for a moment, gripping Ariel’s shoulders, then steadied. He flashed Katie a quick smile as she pushed to her feet, mindful of not tripping on Shadow. “Thought you’d gotten rid of me, Katie-cat?”

  Tears burning her eyes, Katie shook her head. “Nah. You’re a Gallagher—we’re made of stronger stuff than that.”

  He gave her a slow wink before leaning against Ariel and Hunter, letting them lead him up the path.

  Watching her brother walk away with Ariel, Katie’s heart quivered. Ariel acted as if she truly cared about Christian, and the secrets she’d buried were no more awful than Hunter’s, yet Katie had been able to forgive him. A thought flashed across her mind. If God could forgive her for all the atrocities she’d committed, surely she could forgive Ariel for her deception. Katie swallowed again.

  Katie cut her gaze to Hunter. Could he be sincere in his proclamation of his feelings for her? She’d ask him as soon as they were safe—as soon as she could handle the truth.

  Katie’s ankle throbbed when she took the first step up the path. She cried out, then pressed her lips together. Hot tears scorched her cheeks.

  Shadow moved to her side, whimpering.

  Hunter released Christian and wrapped his arm around her waist. “How bad is it?”

  She swallowed. “It hurts.”

  He lowered her to the ground, untied her boot, then whistled under his breath. “Katie, this has swollen almost three times its normal size.” His stare stilled her quivering chin. “Why didn’t you loosen the laces?”

  Lifting a casual shoulder, she closed her eyes, only to snap them open a moment later when he scooped her up into his arms.

  Shadow barked and pawed at the ground.

  “Put me down, Hunter. I can walk.”

  “Not well, you can’t. I’ll carry you.” He took steps to follow Ariel and Christian. “Hold on to me.”

  “This is silly. Put me down.”

  “Nope.” Hunter pulled her tighter against his chest. He leaned forward and planted a kiss on the tip of her upturned nose.

  He pulled back and kept walking. She blinked, opened her mouth, then clamped it shut.

  Shadow limped alongside them.

  Hunter kept marching up the path.

  Katie snaked her arm around the back of his neck and let her body relax against him.

  They broke into view of Christian, Ariel, and Orson, and her brother let out a whooping sound. Her body stiffened again. From between clenched teeth, she said, “Put me down.”

  Hunter lowered her to the ground, but kept a supporting arm around her waist. For every step they took, she bit back cries. Shadow paced beside her. At last, Hunter helped her sit on the rock beside Orson. Shadow licked her hand, which dangled limply at her side.

  “What’s our plan?” Ariel faced Hunter.

  Christian moved toward Katie, resting the back of his head against her thigh. The dog shifted to allow Christian more room.

  “You guys need to keep moving up,” Hunter announced. “With three injured parties…” His gaze dropped to Shadow. “Make that four injured parties, progress is going to be slow. I’m going to meet the mastermind of the whole operation.”

  “Oh, no, you aren’t.” Ariel cocked out her hip, her fingertips grazing the butt of her handgun. “You aren’t going anywhere by yourself.”

  “Ariel, Paul told me he’s been answering to someone else, someone who’s been calling all the shots. And it’s personal. Between me and whoever it is.” He squared his shoulders. “And I can bring back help.”

  “I’m not buying that.” Ariel shook her head. “You need backup and you know it. I’m going with you.”

  “You can’t. Someone needs to stay here with the group. Someone with a gun.” He hitched an eyebrow.

  She looked at him, over to the others, then back.

  Katie watched the interaction with interest. Great interest.

  Hunter took a deep breath. “Besides, as senior agent, I’m ordering you to stay here and protect this group.” He widened his stance. “Is that understood?”

  Ariel’s shoulders slumped. “Understood.”

  “Go
od.” Hunter turned and knelt before Katie. “You’re going to be okay. I’ll get help down here as soon as I can.”

  His stare nearly made her knees buckle.

  He ran a finger down the side of her face, sending her mercury into the red. “Okay? I’ll be back. I promise.”

  Not trusting herself to speak, she nodded.

  “There’re radios on the four-wheelers,” Christian ground out. “Emergency channel is eight.”

  Hunter laid a hand on Christian’s uninjured shoulder. “Thanks. You’re a good man, Christian Gallagher.” He rose to his full height, nodded at Ariel, then took off up the trail, heading in the direction of the parking lot.

  A little piece of Katie’s heart tightened.

  As soon as Hunter moved out of sight, Ariel nodded toward Christian. “We need to redress his wound.”

  “Here’s the first-aid kit,” Orson mumbled as he tossed the bag to Ariel. It landed in the mud at her feet.

  Christian shifted, still leaning on Katie for support. “Let’s get it done, then.” His voice sounded weak, light.

  Ariel untied Hunter’s shirt sleeve, while Katie mopped her brother’s brow. A fine sheen of sweat dotted his face. She pulled Christian to her, settling his back against her chest. Jaw set, he pinched his eyes shut tightly. Katie held her breath as he shuddered.

  Once Ariel replaced the shirt sleeve with gauze and medical wrap, she handed Christian two ibuprofens and a bottle of warm water. “Here, take these. It’ll help with the inflammation and the pain.” Her eyes stayed glued to his face as he took the pills. Water dribbled down his chin as he swallowed.

  Katie propped her brother against the oversized rock, situating his head against the smooth edge. Using the rock’s ridge as leverage, she pulled herself into a standing position.

  Ariel, rewrapping Orson’s splint, glanced at her. She used a hand to shield her eyes from the sun’s hot glare. “Katie, where are you going? I’ll wrap your ankle as soon as I finish with Orson.”

  Pressing her lips together, Katie stared at the woman whose hands cared for Orson’s injury. The same woman who’d dressed Christian’s wound with gentleness and concern.