Page 130 of Love in the Wild

“I do. I think I know what happened, and you better believe I would have done the same.”

Gage looked at Dawson, seeing his sincerity for the first time. “No, you wouldn’t.”

“You forget I have a job where I’m put in that position from time to time.”

Gage rubbed a hand over his face. “Man, I’m sorry.”

“Somebody has to serve and protect. I’m up to the challenge. Sounds like you were today too.”

Did Dawson have to try to justify it when Gage wasn’t ready to analyze it yet? His heart was still trying to beat out of his chest, and the air was as thick as old motor oil.

“Let me pray with you,” Dawson said.

Gage shook his head. He definitely wasn’t ready to face God yet. Not when the blood on his hands hadn’t even dried.

“I wasn’t asking. I’m gonna pray, and I want you to try to put everything out of your mind and listen.”

Something inside Gage still wanted to push against the order, but he gave in and bowed his head.

“Lord, thank You for protecting Gage and Hadley today. Thank You for everyone who showed up to help in the aftermath.”

Gage certainly wouldn’t have started his prayer off with thanks right now. God was probably packing his bags, ready to leave Gage in the mess he’d made.

“Lord, they’re going to need a lot of help now, and I pray You’ll lead the right people to their sides. Help me and the rest of our friends stand beside them through everything. Help us to know what they need. Remind Gage that Your love isn’t conditional. When things get tough, remind him that You walk through the valley of the shadow of death with him. In all things we praise Your name. Amen.”

Gage opened his eyes and blinked in the bright midday sun. How was he supposed to process that prayer? He’d been so wrong about Dawson, but that guilt was fading away. Dawson was putting it behind them and forging a new path. “I appreciate that.”

“It won’t be the last time I pray for you. You saved Hadley’s life today. Don’t forget that.”

Gage opened his mouth to argue he was the reason she was in danger in the first place, but Dawson raised his hand.

“Don’t argue. Focus on the good. Hadley is safe.”

Nodding, Gage looked to where the medics had placed a collar around Hadley’s neck and were lifting her onto a stiff board. “Thanks, man. I appreciate all you’ve done.”

Dawson clapped a hand on Gage’s shoulder. “I’m always here. You’re not alone. I’m not an attorney, but I can assure you this investigation won’t end with you in jail. Put that out of your mind too.” Dawson jerked his head toward the crowd hanging around Hadley. “Let’s go see how she’s doing.”

“Will I be able to go to the hospital with her?” Gage asked.

“Oh yeah. I’ll go with you, and we can start getting your statement while she has tests done.”

Gage inhaled a deep breath, and the hardness in his chest released the slightest bit. The future didn’t seem so bleak after his talk with Dawson and some prayer. At least he’d get to stay beside Hadley today.

38

HADLEY

Hadley’s toes danced as she lay flat on the firm hospital bed. She’d been lying on her back for an hour, and she was going to lose her sanity if the tests didn’t end soon.

“Okay, Miss Hadley. Let’s bust you out of here,” the nurse said as she slid plates into and out of drawers in the x-ray room.

“I can go home?” Hadley didn’t try to hide the excitement in her voice.

“Not yet. I just meant the x-rays are over.”

“Shoot, you got my hopes up,” Hadley said. Though, she had to admit the x-rays were rough. Holding poses and turning the ways the tech needed had angered some sore parts she hadn’t noticed earlier.

“I can’t tell you about any official findings in your images, but I do think you’ll be going home soon.”

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