Page 45 of Reins
I can’t.
I’m sorry.
“Cade.”
Chapter 24 - Cade
She should be back by now.
Nervous energy has me tapping my fingers against the steering wheel, shifting in my seat to look around, and knocking my knee against the door panel.
None of it helps her miraculously appear out of the darkening distance.
It would have taken her five minutes, ten max, to walk to the house. Maybe another few inside to grab her stuff.
How much is she carrying? Is that what’s taking so long?
At the two hour mark, the sun dips, and so does my hope for her to return.
No. Something’s fucking wrong. She should be back.
Damn it!
Slamming my fists against the dash, I kill the engine and get out.
Driving up to the front door will be asking for an attack. I’m gonna have to hike in.
Glad I prepared, just in case.
Tugging my coat up, I grab the rifle from the back seat and sling it over my shoulder, then check my holster to make sure I can get to my pistol quickly if I need it.
I don’t know what the hell to expect, but I need to make sure she’s safe.
Threading my way through the brush, I poke my head out far enough to see a set of tire tracks over her footprints.
Crap. My stomach sinks.
I missed a car leaving. Is she still here?
Fear borders on panic that hurries my steps. I don’t even bother trying to cover my own trail. I’m either going to get her out, or die trying.
It’s dark by the time I make it to the treeline, I’m nearly shaking with adrenaline. Pulling my rifle up, I aim towards the house.
The area that I’ve learned is the office is lit. Staring through the narrow circle, I rest the crosshairs on the pane of glass that lets me overlook the desk in the corner.
After forever, there’s still no movement.
Panning along the front, I catch a flicker.
Fingers trail along the bottom of the frame, then a figure shifts into view.
Rosalyn.
What the fuck is she doing?
One arm drops to wrap her belly and the other presses the glass as she drops her forehead against it.
Notching my magnification up, I zoom in on her face—
