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Chapter Twenty-Two
Sadie pulledthe second sleeping bag up over Dexter’s chest as he shivered again. He hadn’t woken since they’d found him, and she was beyond worried. The storm rapped against the tent’s side, making it shudder violently.
She sighed, rubbing her fingers over her dry eyes. She’d told Gunnar to go sleep an hour ago. He’d worked tirelessly for the last six hours, first hauling Dexter out, then doctoring him up. She’d been embarrassed that she’d fallen asleep when she’d checked on Callie. She’d only meant to rest her eyes but had startled awake two hours later, disoriented and appalled that she’d slept so long.
When she’d rushed into the tent, Gunnar had given her a sad smile that held so much exhaustion in its tight lines, she ordered him to go rest. She had seen no one else, but considering it was two in the morning, she didn’t expect to.
She pulled her hands from her face and jumped. Dexter’s bright blue eyes stared up at her. His pupils dilated in fear as his gaze darted around the tent.
“Hey, it’s okay Dexter.” She laid her hand on his head, hoping the touch would calm him. “I’m Sadie. I’m with search and rescue.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing but a croak came out. His lips and chin trembled as he tried again. Sadie’s heart broke into a million pieces at what this young man must think and feel.
“Here. You must be thirsty.” She moved a medical tube that Gunnar had fashioned into a straw to Dexter’s lips. “Go slow, okay?”
He nodded and winced. Taking four gulps, he closed his eyes and sighed. She should go get Gunnar. He’d want to check Dexter over now that he was awake.
She placed her hand over the back of his that he had clenched around the sleeping bag. “I’m going to go get our medic. He’ll want to know you’re awake.”
Dexter grabbed her hand with surprising strength. “The others. Are they safe?”
She smiled, hoping to reassure him, and patted his hand with her other. “They’re fine, just resting. It’s been a long three days.”
“Cody … Cody—” He swallowed, frustration pushing his forehead low over his eyes, and his breathing grew fast and shallow.
“Cody’s fine. They all are.” Sadie shifted on her knees and placed her palm against his cheek to calm him.
He shook his head and pinned her with a stare. “Cody pushed.”
His voice faded, and she leaned over him to hear him better. There must be some confusion. Her heartbeat pulse roared in her ears, making it hard to hear.
“What?” She hated the shake in her voice.
“Cody pushed me off.”
Thunder boomed through the tent, amplifying what Dexter just said to bone-shaking levels.
“Cody pushed you … on purpose?” She couldn’t help the question from tumbling out. Why would someone do that?
The zipper to the tent slid open, and she turned to tell Gunnar what Dexter had said. Cody ducked into the tent, letting the door flap in the strong wind. Sadie’s stomach bottomed out and her heart raced to near exploding.
“So, you woke up.” Cody stared at Dexter as his mouth twisted in an unkind smile.
“Cody, you need to leave, now.” The authority in Sadie’s voice surprised her.
Cody probably had seventy pounds on her, but she wasn’t about to let him hurt Dexter again.
“You couldn’t just leave her alone?” Cody asked, ignoring Sadie like she wasn’t even there. “You knew I wanted her, but you had to push your way in.”
“You’re crazy.” Dexter’s voice came out choppy between his quickening breaths. “She doesn’t want you. Never did.”
Sadie shifted her legs to a better position. Her shoulders bunched tight and arms tingled. This guy was nuts, pushing someone off a cliff over a girl.
“You’re wrong.” Cody’s angry words rushed through clenched teeth.
Lightning filled the tent with bright light, followed by a loud boom. It flashed against metal as Cody lifted his arm and lunged for Dexter. Sadie screamed, jumping in front of the injured man as the knife came slashing down.
