Now that the adrenalin had passed, he was left feeling nauseous and experiencing pain. He needed to be patched up but did not dare turn up at any hospital. He was trying to patch himself up.
He had downed six painkillers that just managed to take the edge off.
And had poured brandy on the wound that had him screaming bloody hell. And had him stumbling towards the edge of the path and hurling the breakfast of pancakes and eggs from the diner.
Now he was sitting on the roughly hewn board floor in front of the inactive fireplace and rocking back and forth. He was wondering where it had all gone wrong? He had been a normal person, with a very good job.
Until he saw Kiara, until he read her books and fell in love with her. Tears leaked from his eyes and down his ashen cheeks. The bandage was already soaked through. He was going to die in this godforsaken cabin.
He had no doubt they were already looking for him. He had seen a text from his company demanding to know what was going on. That there had been cops swarming around the place asking questions about him.
That had been the last one before he got rid of the phone. The cabin was in his grandfather's name, and no one knew of its existence. He was safe here for now. And it was isolated, which suited him fine.
"Kiara. Kiara. Kiara."
He whispered in anguish.
"Why couldn't you see that I'm perfect for you? Why?"
Stumbling to his feet, he rushed into the bathroom to throw up again.
"She's sleeping."
Eric cracked the door open to check, before closing it again.
"I think the doc gave her something to relax her. Where are you?"
"An hour away from landing. I spoke to Margo. They have a name."
"Yeah."
Eric headed downstairs and went outside to scan the grounds.
"Margo told me. Some asshole with no priors. Had Kiara photos plastered everywhere. Guy is sick."
"He'll be dead if I catch him. Do me a favor?"
"Anything."
Eric walked over to the spot where his blood was spilled onto the grass.
"Gather the investigative team and start your own search."
"Already done. We got the name and the house he used to live. I was going to start digging around the place but did not want to leave her until you get there."
"Good idea."
He breathed out shakily.
"How are you?"
"Still alive. I think I got him more than he got me. I'm bandaged up and ready to roll. I've a vested interest in getting this bastard."
"Yeah."
Oscar sighed.
"I feel bloody helpless and would like to work off this rage before I face her."
