For the first time since this nightmare had started she felt . . . safe.
The tension that had been wound tight inside her began to loosen, little by little, with each step Max took. His grip was firm as if he weren’t about to let anything happen to her. Not now—or ever.
Hadley closed her eyes, breathing everything in—the cold air, the woodsy earth, and a familiar scent beneath it all.
Max.
There were so many things she wanted to say.
That she believed him.
That she trusted him.
That she was sorry for ever doubting him—even for a second.
But the words stayed where they were, caught somewhere between her heart and her throat.
This wasn’t the time. Right now, it was enough just to be here with him. To know it was over.
The forest still surrounded them—dark and quiet—but it no longer felt suffocating.
Not with him there.
Flashing red and blue lights appeared ahead, faint at first, then brighter.
Voices followed—low and urgent but controlled.
They were almost out.
Max pushed through the last line of trees, and suddenly the world opened up again. Herb and Billie’s property stretched out beyond them.
Relief swept through her, unexpected and overwhelming.
“Over here!” someone called.
Two EMTs hurried toward them with a gurney, their movements efficient as they reached Max’s side.
“We’ve got her,” one of them said.
Max hesitated before he carefully lowered her onto the stretcher.
The loss of his warmth was immediate.
Hadley swallowed and pushed herself up, despite the protest from her body. “No—wait. Check on Herb and Billie first.”
The EMT nearest her offered a reassuring smile as he adjusted the blanket around her. “We’ve already checked them out. They’re okay.”
Relief flooded through her so quickly that she felt lightheaded. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. A little shaken, but stable.”
Then another thought struck her. “Vaughn. The deputy?—”
“He’s fine too,” the EMT replied. “Took a hit, but he’s going to be okay.”
Hadley sank back against the stretcher, the tension draining from her all at once.
Herb and Billie were safe.
