“First Sara,” she murmured. “Now Tessa.”
Caitlin hesitated. “Burke… I hate even saying it, but—what about Professor Sinclair?”
“Preston’s been helpful.” He paused. “But I’m not ruling anyone out.”
“Sometimes the helpful ones are the most dangerous,” Caitlin said quietly. “Especially the ones everyone trusts.”
Burke didn’t answer for a beat. His thumb tapped once against the steering wheel.
“Yeah,” he said. “I know.”
Tessa was gone—really gone—and Raleigh had a way of turning every rescue into a mess.
“But you’ll find her, Burke,” Caitlin said softly. “You found me, and you didn’t even know where to start.”
His mouth twitched. “Maybe I ought to go find Aunt Emma. She pointed me in the right direction last time.”
Caitlin laughed softly. “She’d tell you exactly where to look, too.”
Rosie chuffed like she agreed.
By the time they pulled into Harris Regional, Burke’s chest felt a little steadier.
Not lighter. Just braced.
Harris Regional Hospital— ICU Corridor
The elevator doors opened onto muted voices and rolling carts. Scout was already there, leaning against the wall near Sara’s door, shoulders rigid. The second he saw Burke and Caitlin, relief flickered—then locked down.
“Morning,” Scout said, voice gravel-thin.
“Morning,” Burke answered, gripping his forearm. Caitlin hugged him—quick and gentle.
Luke stood guard at the door, one fist curling and uncurling at his side as Sara’s silhouette shifted on the other side of the glass. He leaned in a fraction. Burke watched him a moment longer, recognizing concern—and something Luke hadn’t mapped out yet.
“Sheriff, she’s awake. More alert this morning.”
Caitlin gave him a warm nod. “Good job staying with her.”
Luke’s focus snapped toward the glass panel again—protective, instinctive. He probably didn’t even realize he’d moved closer.
Burke did. So did Scout.
Burke looked at Scout.
Scout said nothing.
Neither did Burke.
Luke was in this now. Not as backup.
Rosie padded up beside Luke and nudged his knee with her nose—gentle, deliberate. The dog only did that when someone was stretched tight as wire. Luke gave her a faint smile and scratched her ear, the tension in his shoulders easing just a notch.
A nurse stepped out, peeling off gloves. “She’s asking for Sheriff Scott and Deputy Wilson. Keep things calm. She’s still fragile.”
Scout straightened like he’d been yanked upright by a wire.
Burke nodded once. “Let’s go.”
