Page 35 of Lion’s Den

“We’re dating, sir.”

“Is that right? How long has this relationship been going on?”

Cam glanced at his watch. “About four hours.”

“And you both jumped into a lion enclosure minutes after you got together?”

“Yes, sir.”

“First, you’re both nuts for doing that. Second, congratulations on the relationship. Third, if you do anything to hurt Sedona, you’ll be a kitty treat. I will personally lock you in that lion enclosure and make sure Sedona isn’t there to rescue you. Am I clear, Sims?”

“Absolutely, sir.”

“Good, because I’d hate to lose my new deputy because of his own foolishness.”

“Copy that, sir.”

“If you can let go of the lady long enough, take a seat.”

“She’s cold, David. Adrenaline dump.”

“Ah. Hold on a second.” The sheriff left the office and returned a moment later with a blanket, which he handed to Cam. “This should help.”

He wrapped the blanket around Sedona, then pulled her back into his embrace. “Give me a couple of minutes, David.”

His boss’ eyebrows soared. “This is my office.”

“Have a heart, sir.” For his sake, if not for Sedona’s.

The sheriff rolled his eyes. “You have two minutes to the second, Sims. Make good use of them.”

“Copy that, sir.”

Cam eased Sedona even closer and coasted his hand up and down her back until he felt her muscles relax. “Better?” he murmured.

“Oh, yes. I wish I had an internal heater like you seem to have.”

“You’re welcome to indulge in my hugs anytime you want.”

After a brisk knock, David stepped back into his office and sat in his chair. “Take a seat, please.” He grabbed his notebook and pen. “Let’s begin.”

For the next two hours, David grilled Sedona, taking her through her escape from the kidnappers several more times, including any reference to Simpson. Although he poked and prodded her memory of events when she was kidnapped, David got nowhere. That knowledge was a black hole in her memory.

That worried Cam. Why did she have a gap in her memory? She’d complained of a headache but little else. He scowled. But he’d seen bruises on her face and the telltale bruises on her neck. One of those bozos had put his hands around her neck and choked her. He wouldn’t forget that.

When David was satisfied that he’d gleaned every scrap of information Sedona could remember, he turned his attention to Cam. He grinned. “Your turn for the fun.”

“Yeah. Fun times.” Cam sighed. “Let’s do this.”

They reviewed every detail over and over until Cam was on the verge of telling off his new boss, which wouldn’t have been a wise move. He needed to get Sedona out of the station and to his safe place. “What do you think, sir? Were the two incidents a coincidence, or are we looking at something much more serious?”

“You know the answer to that question.”

Cam swallowed hard. “I was hoping you’d tell me I’m wrong.”

“Sorry, my friend. You’re not.”

Both men looked at Sedona.