AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her breath caught. “We’ve got to get him out of there.”
Ranger knelt beside the pit. “That guy probably knew it was here and led him this way.”
That sounded exactly like what had happened.
On her stomach, Andi moved snow away from the center of the hole.
The pit was probably eight feet deep if she had to guess and wide enough for a bear to fall through.
After a few minutes of digging, Duke’s face came into view.
Relief flushed through with such intensity that she felt lightheaded for a moment. “Duke!”
He brushed the snow from his face. “I’m okay. Help me get out of here.”
Ranger reached down and grabbed his hand. His arm with the injured shoulder remained at his side, and Duke grimaced as if it hurt.
Andi would bet it was bleeding again.
Skillfully, Ranger helped Duke scale the side of the pit and climb onto the ground.
As Duke turned, breathing heavily, snow clung to his face and eyelashes.
But he appeared okay. Andi didn’t see any blood—not even on his shoulder.
“I told you guys not to follow me,” Duke said with a moan.
“And aren’t you glad we don’t listen to you?” Andi gave him a look.
“Do you know where the guy went?” Ranger got right to business.
“I heard him running away after I fell. My guess is that he’s long gone.”
Disappointment bit at Andi. She glanced around, but there was no sign of this guy.
The Hymn Killer knew these woods, knew how to get away. That seemed to prove her theory that he was connected somehow with this community. Plus, the fact he’d been inside the church playing the piano.
Andi stared down at Duke again. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’ve been better, but I’ll be fine.” He rubbed his shoulder.
The relief Andi felt surprised her. She’d feel relief for anyone being rescued in this situation.
But Duke was beginning to feel like a friend, and she didn’t want to see him suffer.
However, the danger wasn’t over yet.
A chill washed over her.
This killer wasn’t going to stop at anything until he got what he wanted.
* * *
Duke wanted to complain because Andi and Ranger had come, but how could he?
That guy he’d been chasing had known this was here. He’d been prepared. He’d known exactly where to lead Duke.
He’d wanted Duke to fall.
