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“We appreciate the offer,” Brad said. “But, I doubt we could all fit in your vehicle. Or did you come by taxi?”
“Nah,” said Charlie, “We’re in a limo—plenty of room. Do y’all live in the city? We could drop y’all by your places to clean up, and then meet for dinner.”
“A limo? You’re kidding, right?” said Josh.
“No,” said Claire. “It’s a real limousine. You should come—it’s fun.”
“Why on earth did you come out here in a limousine? Are you rich or something?” asked Josh.
“Heck, no,” said Charlie. “But my stepdad is. Are you guys coming? Or are you camping on the cold hard ground and hiking all day tomorrow.”
“Well, that was the original plan.” Brad said. “But... I’ll leave it up to Josh. Whatever, you want. I’m game.”
“Why not? We can hike any time.” Josh sent a concerned glance in Emily’s direction and moved to steady her as she swayed against him.
She was dizzy and bone tired. She was also heartbroken, but she tried not to dampen the spirits of her friends. Josh supported her as she limped along, following the animated group down the long trail to the parking lot where the limousine waited. She climbed in and wedged herself into the corner seat, where she promptly fell sound asleep.
*****
“They found her,” Gherring told Spencer. They’d reached their car and were trying to decide whether to drive toward Devil’s Tombstone when Charlie called. “They have her in the limo, and they’re headed back to town.”
Spencer felt his body relax as relief flooded his system. He hadn’t realized how tense he’d been. “Is she okay? I can’t believe she made that hike on her own.”
“She’s apparently okay, but a bit torn up. Nothing broken. They’re bringing two guys back with them. Evidently, these two met up with Emily on the trail and helped her out.” Gherring shook his head. “The girls are planning to take those boys out to a late dinner as a thank-you.”
Spencer felt a surge of jealousy. What was wrong with him? He should be grateful she had help. Otherwise, she’d probably be stuck alone on the trail or even lost. But he couldn’t help wondering how friendly they’d been.
“We should beat them home by an hour. Do you want to wait with us? Or do you want to go home.”
“I’ll go home. I really need a shower.”
“And then come back over for dinner with the group?” Gherring asked.
Spencer considered his options. He was exhausted, and he really didn’t feel like going out for a late dinner. On the other hand, he wanted to see Emily.
“I guess I’ll take a quick shower and then wait at your place for Emily to come back.”
“So you can kill her before I do?”
“Absolutely.” Spencer grinned before heaving an exhausted breath. “I’m so tired. I’ve hardly slept in two nights. And then today’s marathon...”
“I agree, but I’m okay to drive if you want to sleep on the way home.”
“Awesome. Thanks.”
He fell into a restless sleep, fighting images of Emily careening down a rocky chute.
Chapter Eleven
“That was Charlie. They’re on their way up,” Anne told Steven as she hung up her cell phone. “All of them.”
“All of them?”
“The whole crew. I’m excited to meet Spencer’s other sisters.” She was munching on a cracker, relishing the sense of relief both of her girls would be home safe again.
“What about the guys? Are they coming up as well?”
“I don’t know. She said everyone, but weren’t they planning to drop the guys off to take showers?”
