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Lynch had given Milo’s neck a savage twist, and it snapped. He released his hold, and Milo fell to the ground as flames continued to consume his body.
Then Kendra was kneeling beside Tricia. “You look half drowned. Are you okay?”
Tricia nodded, her gaze on Milo. “Is he dead? He kept coming at me, but I had the tire iron. Though I thought the fire would do it.”
“He’s dead,” Lynch said as he got to his feet. “And by the look of him, you must have given him a really rough time one way or the other.”
“It had to end. It couldn’t go on.”
Kendra looked back at Milo’s burning body. “I wasn’t sure we’d make it in time.”
“I didn’t expect you to,” Tricia said wearily. “It had to be me. I had to be the one.” She rubbed her temple. “But thank you anyway.” Her gaze went back to Milo. “I wonder what it will feel like to be free of him.”
“Good,” Kendra said. “Because he never really held you. He just thought he did. You were always in charge.”
Tricia smiled at her. “Yeah, that’s right. It’s good to have you around to remind me.” She lifted her head. “I hear a siren, that must be the volunteer fire department. I made sure they were on duty. I didn’t want to risk having any wildfires because I was planning on getting rid of that scumbag.”
“Yes, I can see you’d want us all to be environmentally correct,” Lynch said. “But we may be having a couple more visitors soon. The official police reports were somewhat vague about how to get out here, but one call to Trey Suber was all we needed. His personal serial killer database is more thorough than almost any in the world. We’d already notified Griffin that he should probably come by and see if Milo might be around. He and Suber will both probably be here.” Lynch paused. “And when he arrives, I’m going to take total credit for ridding the world of Milo. It might tarnish your reputation as America’s Olympic Sweetheart, so we’ll leave you out of it.” He grinned. “And I assure you, it will only enhance my rep.”
“I can see that,” she said quietly. “But anytime you change your mind and want me to tell the full truth, I’ll do it. I knew there might be ramifications.”
“But you went full steam ahead anyway.” Kendra made a face. “And damn the torpedoes.” She stood up and held out her hand to pull Tricia to her feet. “Okay, let’s go meet your volunteer fire department and see what we can do about salvaging the situation, and make sure you get a chance to go for those medals.”
***
Four hours later, the embers of the cabin were still smoldering when the medical examiner removed what was left of Milo. Griffin and Suber stood on the outskirts of the scene consulting with the local police.
Tricia sat on her camping chair with the thermal blanket wrapped around her. She looked up at Kendra. “Am I in trouble?”
Kendra shook her head. “You’re a hero.”
“I don’t feel very heroic.” She turned toward Lynch. “You picked up the barricade brackets.”
“They’re in my car trunk. That will keep investigators from having to ask questions they’d rather not.”
Griffin and Suber walked toward them.
“How are you holding up?” Griffin asked Tricia. “Is there someone we can call for you?”
She shook her head. “I’ve already called my mom and dad. They’re on their way from Seattle.” She nodded toward the pile of ash where the cabin had been. “Though I’m not sure what they’ll think of my remodeling job.”
“I’m sure they’re just glad you’re okay,” Kendra said.
“They are. They’ve been talking about tearing down this place and rebuilding. I guess I forced the issue.”
“Milo did that,” Suber said. “You did the world a favor, Tricia.”
“But what’s next for you?” Kendra asked Tricia.
Tricia thought for a moment. “I need to get even more serious about training. There’s a great coach in Phoenix who wants to work with me.”
“I imagine they’ll be standing in line,” Kendra said. “Particularly after your performance at Long Beach. Are you sure you’re ready for that? You’ve been through a lot.”
“Yes.” Tricia shed her blanket and sat up straighter. She lifted her chin as she gazed out at the horizon. “You bet I’m ready!”
Epilogue
Four Days Later
