Chapter 48

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Cam's phone rang, cutting through the agonizing silence. Dare's name flashed on the screen, and he snatched up his phone. "Dare? Did?—?"

"We found her. She's alive, but she was in the lake. You need to get to my house—now."

"Thank God." Cam's voice cracked with relief and fear. "I'm on my way."

His heart pounded as he pressed down on the accelerator. The dark road blurred as he raced around the lake, every second feeling like an eternity.

Minutes later, he skidded to a stop in front of Dare's house. Lights glowed brightly within, and Cam jumped out of the car, his pulse racing as he sprinted to the front door. He burst inside at a near run. "Dare!"

"In here!" came a familiar feminine voice.

He bolted down the hallway toward the living room, his gaze zeroing in on Kinley before he'd even crossed the threshold. She sat in the corner of the couch, wrapped in blankets, damp tendrils of hair clinging to her face. Ainsley sat beside her, one arm around Kinley's shoulders, her expression a mix of relief and worry.

"Be careful with her," Dare warned from his right, his voice pitched low. "She's hurt."

Cam nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "How bad?"

"Abrasions on her wrists and ankles… And on her back."

He swallowed hard. "He didn't…"

Dare gave a sharp shake of his head. "Otherwise she seems to be okay."

Cam managed to tear his gaze from Kinley and glanced at Dare. "Was it David?"

"I don't know." The corners of his mouth turned down. "She mentioned the name Max. Does that mean anything to you?"

Cam turned the name over in his mind but came up blank. "I don't think she's ever mentioned him before. Did Ainsley know?"

"I haven't had a chance to ask. We just got her settled when you showed up."

"Thanks." Cam dipped his chin. "I'll see if I can get some more information from her."

Ainsley met Cam's gaze as he stepped forward, and she offered him a small smile. Dipping her head, she whispered something in Kinley's ear, then gave her one last squeeze and stood, allowing Cam to take her place.

He nodded his thanks, then moved next to Kinley, his heart breaking at the sight of her shivering form. Gently, he touched her face, the coldness of her skin seeping into his fingers.

"Hey, beautiful," he said softly.

Her eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting his. "You're here," she whispered, her voice weak and strained.

Cam leaned closer, resting his forehead against hers. "I'm here," he repeated. "Of course I'm here."

The sound of sirens pierced the air, signaling the arrival of the ambulance. Dare stood up, then moved to the front door to let them in.

"Paramedics are here," he said to Kinley, whose eyes had closed again. Another shudder worked its way through her body, and he gently chafed her arms to stimulate her muscles.

A moment later, the paramedics strode into the room with a stretcher, and Cam reluctantly stepped back, giving them room to work. Dare stood beside him, one arm wrapped around Ainsley's waist as they watched the proceedings warily.

They worked quickly, assessing Kinley's condition and preparing her for transport.

"We'll get her to the hospital," one of the paramedics said, carefully lifting Kinley onto the stretcher. "She needs to be checked for hypothermia and any other injuries."

As they loaded Kinley into the ambulance, Dare placed a reassuring hand on Cam's shoulder. "She's tough. She'll pull through."

Cam nodded. "I'm going with her to the hospital. Keep me updated."

"Of course," Dare said. "We've got every deputy in the county looking for David. We'll find him. And if you can get Kinley to talk, let me know what you find out about this Max person."

The ambulance doors closed, and Cam climbed into his car, heart racing as they sped toward the hospital.