The news was a blessing and a curse. I could now kill Mitch with my own hands.
Unable to stop myself, I hooked my arm around Audrey, worried she might actually faint this time.
Ryder grabbed hold of the guy’s chin, forcing his eyes on him. “Try again.”
He attempted to resist Ryder’s hold to look at Audrey, and I noticed she was gripping the front of my jacket, practically turning right into my arms.
I needed to get her out of there, but Ryder’s clipped voice drew my attention back to our subject. He leaned over him, getting in his personal space, the knife resting at his side. “I don’t believe in ghosts. Demons, maybe. Looking at a man possessed by one now—but no, not ghosts.”
“The plane crash was a cover-up.” The side of his mouth lifted into a partial smile. “Body too burned to allow for an open casket.”
Audrey released my jacket and held up her hand, staring at my blood on her palm. “You should, um, clean that wound,” she said in a daze, ignoring the asshole’s remarks.
“Wait, you got hurt? That’syourblood?” Reed redirected his focus on me, where it didn’t belong. “Need the medic kit?”
“It’s just a scratch. I’m fine.” I took hold of her arm, worried she’d topple over without support. “One of his buddies out in the woods who won’t be getting up again did it.”
“We all knew what we were getting ourselves into,” he spat out. “The risk was worth it. Despite what you think of us, we’re patriots.”
“Oh really?” Ryder circled his chair, probably about to apply more pressure to get him to talk.
“I don’t think she should be in here.” I tipped my head toward Audrey, a statue of shock at my side.
Her long lashes fluttered in some type of rhythm.
Blink.Shock. Blink.
She blinked her way over to Reed. “That medical kit you have, where is it?”
“Whatever bedroom Eden put my stuff in. In my duffel bag,” Reed answered, eyes darting to my side and my torn jacket. “How bad is it, really?” He came over, forcing me to let go of her so he could have a look for himself.
“Not a big deal. Just ...” I closed my eyes, memories of being shot by Beth last fall cutting through my mind. “He reopened an old wound, is all. That’s why it’s bleeding like this.”
Theme of the weekend: reopening old wounds. Try not to bleed out, physically or emotionally.
“It’s not that old of a wound.” He tacked on in a low voice, “Damn that woman.” He glanced at Audrey, jaw tight. “I have something in my bag that’ll seal his wound better than a regular bandage.”
“Great.” Blink.Shock. Blink. “I’ll take care of him. You just stay here and get the truth from him, because there’s no way Mitch is alive.” Her voice was raw and heartbreaking.
“Hold up,” Ryder said, removing the radio clipped at his side. He quickly communicated with Beau, then Trevor, checking to make sure the property was still secure.
“The front is clear,” Beau responded.
Trevor transmitted the all clear: “And I have the surveillance feeds up and nothing but wildlife in the woods for now. No thermal movement beyond the ridge. Back’s tight.”
“Stay put. Keep me posted,” Ryder replied, then directed to me, “Go ahead. Get yourself patched up. Stay with her.” He asked Trevor next, “What room did Eden put Reed’s stuff in?”
“Three. First floor. Another set of keys are in my side desk drawer,” Trevor answered, and Reed was already on the move to retrieve them.
My body relaxed. First floor.Good. I wasn’t sure I’d be making it up the stairs with how much blood I was losing from that “scratch.”
“If you two need my help, let me know.” Reed handed the key to Audrey, as if I were a victim incapable of moving on my own. Damn him.
“Come on.” I reached for Audrey’s arm, needing to hold on to her as much as she probably needed me.
At the doorway, she stopped and faced the room. “Why does he want me? If he’s really alive and it’s him behind all of this, why? Can’t you just take the wedding bands and be done with me?”
Ryder moved aside so she could see, but I doubted the jerk would respond. Not truthfully, at least.
