Page 96 of Chasing Creed

Brodie stopped to stare at him. Her entire body went still, and Creed knew she was trying to determine if he was telling the truth. She believed it was her superpower. He’d seen her be right too often to doubt it.

“She doesn’t know.” Orlando twisted and shifted, trying to ease the pain from his ankle as much as the discomfort from his admission. “I took her from her mother when she was five. Iris agreed to raise her. I never wanted her to know.”

“But now I know.” The voice startled all of them.

Sara stumbled out from the edge of the woods. She could barely stand. Mud and red clay covered her. Face swollen and caked with blood. Hair tangled. Clothes stained and shredded.

“Sara?” But Brodie didn’t move.

Sara was in bad shape. Skinned knees showed through shredded jeans. Blood still ran from her nose and down her chin. Creed had no idea if she was bleeding anywhere else.

He shoved his Ruger into the back of his jeans and went to her slowly. Her glazed eyes watched him, but he wasn’t sure if she really saw him.

He offered his arm. No reaction. No protest.

He moved closer just in time to catch her as she collapsed.

68

Brodie watched Ryder scoop up Sara’s limp body into his arms.

“Is she dead?”

“No, she can’t be dead.” Orlando moaned.

“Ryder?” Brodie pleaded, venturing closer.

Sara had come out of the woods and collapsed. There was blood on her face. Mud caked everywhere. Ryder had caught her before she hit the ground. Everyone remained quiet as he laid her down long enough to check her pulse, look for wounds and lift an eyelid. Then he picked her up.

“We need to get her out of here,” he told Jason. To Brodie, he said, “Can you lead the way?”

But Brodie still didn’t move. She couldn't move.

Fight or flight or freeze.

She knew when to fight. She knew when to run. But suddenly, she was paralyzed. Her heart pounded. Deep breaths weren't enough.

Hank nosed her hand. When she still didn’t respond, the big dog poked his nose into the side of her leg. Then he leaned against her, just to make sure. Almost as if he wanted to physically hold her upright.

“Yes, okay,” she finally said.

“Sully, can you stay here?” Ryder asked. “Make sure this guy doesn’t move until I bring Sheriff Norwich back?”

“Absolutely,” and the old man lifted his shotgun.

“Is she going to be okay?” Orlando wanted to know.

Everyone ignored him.

“Jason, I need you to come with us. Let’s take turns carrying Sara.”

“You got it. Scout, stay here with Sully.”

“Let him go with you, son. I’m good.”

“You sure?”

“Go on now.”