Tears stung my eyes. I felt a panic so sharp, it knocked the breath out of me. It rose up and crushed my ribs.
My hand clutched Hudson’s. I leaned in close. “Hudson, where’s Daniel?” My voice cracked. “Is he...” I couldn’t even finish it. The word died in my throat.
I started sobbing.
Loud. Desperate.
It was one of those soul-deep sobs in which snot, tears, and spit all mix into one mess. I couldn’t stop. I bent over Hudson’s hand and cried into it like it could answer me.
“Where is he?” I whispered, shaking. “Where is Daniel?”
Did Cynthia kill him and dump him into the ocean?
Had he run for help and been swallowed by the waves?
The dogs began licking me. A few pressed close, their bodies warm against mine. They were trying to share whatever comfort they had left. I pulled the old shepherd close, cradling his head against mine, burying my face in his wet fur.
Some of the dogs whined and nudged Hudson anxiously.
If I didn’t get help, Hudson would die too.
But to get help, I’d have to walk the road back to the mainland. Through the storm. Through the dark.
I might die trying.
But at this point, what did it matter?
It wasn’t like I wanted to die, but if I didn’t make it while trying to save Hudson, I honestly didn’t care.
Daniel was gone. Probably dead in the sea.
The pain hit so hard, I screamed.
It was a guttural, broken sound that ripped straight from my chest.
The dogs flinched at first. Then they realized it wasn’t meant for them. I wasn’t angry at them.
I was breaking.
And they just sat with me.
“I’ll get help for your dad,” I promised, my voice shaking as my fingers ran through their damp fur. Then I stood and stepped back out into the storm.
I also had to get help for Cynthia.
Maybe she was badly hurt.
If she died . . . I killed her. Killed my own mother.
I didn’t even know how she was my real mom to begin with, but in my heart, I didn’t doubt it. Not even for a second.
And the man who looked like Daniel? Who the hell was he?
And the boy?
Rain whipped across my skin, and the storm tore at me from all sides. Wind slammed into my body, almost lifting me off the path. Before long, I’d reached the road. Waves were already sweeping over it in violent bursts, foaming and black, rising high enough to slap my chest and soak me through.
I didn’t stop.
