21
The spearhead broke through the cord, and Dev jerked his wrists free. His arms had been tied behind his back too long and pain radiated through his muscles, but he didn’t care. He didn’t care about the pain in his hip either. He was going to Kinsley’s rescue at all costs.
Ifshe was still alive. He had no idea how long he’d been unconscious. For all he knew the assailant had already gotten to her and fled the property.
Dev lurched to his feet, the smoke darker and thicker now. His phone was set to receive wildfire evacuation alerts, but he hadn’t gotten one. But maybe his phone wasn’t working, or one was issued while he was out of it. He patted his pocket. His phone probably wouldn’t work because it was wet. No matter. It wasn’t in his pocket. His assailant had to have taken it. A smart move on his part, keeping Dev from alerting anyone to the assailant’s presence.
Alert or not the bad air quality said the fire was moving closer. Now, not only did he have to fear for Kinsley’s life, but for everyone’s lives with the fire advancing on them. He had to take action, and he had to do it quickly. But first, he needed to get his shoes so he could move even faster.
He started out at a fast clip, but his pain made him slow. Still, he fought through the pain to retrieve them from near the lake and put them on.
He turned to go.
He didn’t know what he was facing. He had no weapon. He had no plan. He had no help. Would it be better to head to their armory to get a gun, maybe some NVGs, so he could surprise the guy, or would it be better to barrel ahead and make sure Kinsley wasn’t in grave danger?
Protect innocent life at all costs.His mantra from his time as a deputy sounded like a warning bell in his brain. He couldn’t protect her if he wasn’t near her. He had to believe that she needed him right now and go to her. Believe that God would provide what he needed.
But did Dev believe that? After all, why had God allowed him to be choked nearly to death and knocked out? How could that be good in any way?
He took off for his cabin, limping from the excruciating pain, breathing deep to ignore it. He felt much like he did that day Hailey walked out and left him alone to deal with his family and friends. Hers too. Only the stakes were far higher here.
But if Dev had married Hailey, he wouldn’t be free now to pursue Kinsley. So what at the time seemed devastating was a blessing in disguise. Could he believe the same thing here? That being detained by the assailant would work out for the best?
He had to. The alternative was too painful.
The cabin came into view, and he stopped to take a long look through the gritty smoke clinging to the porch. Hayden was down on the floor. Was he dead or just incapacitated? Dev had to believe he wasn’t dead as the assailant didn’t seem to be a killer. Or at least he didn’t want to kill Dev. Just restrain him.
If Dev could get to the porch, he could get Hayden’s weapon, if the attacker had left it in his holster. Dev crept forward, but his bum leg dragged, and his foot rustled fallen leaves. He had to hope he wasn’t making enough noise to be heard inside the cabin.
He moved forward as fast as he could, soon reaching the porch and sneaking up on the side. To avoid being seen from within the family room, he got down on his knees and nearly screamed from the pain. He bit his lip until the pain receded, then crawled along the worn porch boards.
At the window, he peeked inside. No one visible in the family room or dining room.
His heart sank. Had the attacker taken them all hostage and driven somewhere? Or were they in a bedroom?
Bedroom. They had to be there. If not…
He had to check them out, but first grab the gun from Hayden’s hip. A syringe protruded from his neck, and Dev felt for a pulse. He was alive and breathing.
Thank you!
Dev checked Hayden’s cargo pocket for his phone, turned it to silent, and shoved it in his pocket, then made his way around the back of the cabin to Colin’s bedroom. He peaked into the window. Colin sat on his bed with his laptop on his knees, his noise-canceling headphones on his ears.
How was Dev going to get Colin’s attention without alerting the assailant if he was still in the house?
He tapped lightly on the window. No luck.
He waved his arms. No response.
He jumped up and down, frantically now, his leg threatening to buckle under him, his forehead perspiring from the pain.
Colin looked up. Blinked a few times, then set down his computer and came to open the window. “What’s going on? Why the stealth arrival?”
Dev caught his breath from the pain and explained everything that had happened.
“That’s a lot of blood on your pants.” Colin frowned. “Are you sure you should even be on your feet?”
“I’m good.” Dev worked hard to hide the strain he was feeling. “You have any idea what’s going on with Kinsley?”
