Page 70 of Colton’s Inferno

The line went silent. Had the call dropped?

“Trey, you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Did you say killer?”

He hadn’t meant to freak out the dispatch operator. But he also didn’t have time to explain. “Call Callum. Tell him what I said.”

“Okay. I can do that. The ambulance and fire truck are on their way.” He paused. “Do you want me to stay on the line until they arrive?”

Considering that someone had tried to kill either Lucy or her grandfather three times in as many days, it might be wise to keep his connection with Emergency Services. But Aiden had figured out a thing or two about the killer. In all three instances, the would-be killer tried to create a deadly accident. It meant one thing. He—or she—didn’t want to look their victims in the eyes. They just set up the circumstances and let fate take care of the rest.

Besides, whoever had parked their car in the woods wasn’t around anymore. He doubted that they’d come back. “We’ll be okay. But thanks.” He ended the call and shoved the phone into his pocket.

He went back to Lucy. Her breathing was regular. He placed his fingers on her wrist. Her pulse was fast. A rapid heart rate was consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. She’d need to go to the hospital. They’d be able to treat her with oxygen and IV fluids.

Sitting back on his heels, he asked himself an important question. What if?

What if Callum hadn’t called to tell Aiden that Lucy had come home?

What if he hadn’t turned around when he did?

What if he hadn’t noticed her arm, dangling off the side of the sofa?

Each instance was a link in the thin chain that separated life from death.

He tried to focus on the fact that everything had gone right. But what if it hadn’t?

Besides, Lucy wasn’t in the clear yet. Neurological problems were common with C02 exposure.

He reached for her wrist again. Her pulse had slowed. She was improving.

“It’ll be alright,” he said. “You’re safe. I’m here.”

Lucy sucked in a deep breath. Her chest heaved. She started coughing. Her whole body was racked with the effort. Aiden rolled her to her side. If she got sick, at least she wouldn’t choke. The coughing stopped, and she opened her eyes.

“Hey.” He reached for her hand. “There you are.”

“What happened?” she asked, her voice hoarse.

“You didn’t wake up when I knocked, so I kicked in the door. There was a scent of natural gas, so I brought you outside.” He didn’t add that she’d been close to death when he found her.

“Why?”

“Why, what?”

“Why did you stop by?”

Oh, that. Now wasn’t the time to add to her concerns. “I can tell you later.” He changed the subject. “For now, I want you to lie here on the ground. I know the grass is damp.”

“Stop trying to protect me,” she said, her voice stronger than he expected. “I need the truth. Why are you here?”

He let out a long breath. Lucy was right, she deserved the facts. “I was worried that your grandfather’s accident wasn’t totally random. I was worried that the wreck was somehow connected to you getting locked in the barn.”

“Did you find anything?” She squeezed his hand tighter.

He paused.

She said, “Aiden, you have to tell me what you found.”