Page 32 of Stalked at Rescue Ridge

Travis stopped at the door. “I can reach you anytime?”

“Yes,” Kade said.

As soon as Travis was out the door, Bree said, “Are you planning to miss your flight because of me?”

“It’s no big deal. Being here for you seems more important, and we have a lot of family drama to sort out at the ranch.” Kade’s head still reeled from the baby news. Zeke and Kade had made a pact to have each other’s backs in high school. Kade had every intention of honoring the agreement. And yet, he couldn’t help but feel betrayed, considering he’d been tricked by his best friend. Zeke hadn’t given so much as a clue that he wasn’t the father. Again, the question of whether Zeke had known he wasn’t the father surfaced.

But this wasn’t the right time to ask.

The next couple of hours were a parade of doctors and people who wanted to check on Bree to see for themselves that she was okay. Kade kept watch, clearing the room when she couldn’t hold her eyes open so she could rest.

It was nightfall by the time the room finally quieted. He’d been twenty-four hours without a shower or a toothbrush. Thankfully, his sister had dropped off a few supplies earlier in the day when she’d brought good coffee and bagels. It was time to use them.

Kade moved to the bathroom, leaving the door open in case someone decided to stop by unexpectedly. As long as he was around, no one would get through that door uninvited.

He brushed his teeth and splashed cold water on his face. Looking in the mirror was the worst of bad ideas. There he stood, staring into tired eyes. He wasn’t exhausted from last night. That wasn’t what had jolted him out of bed in the middle of the night more times than he could count. If not for him, Zeke would be alive, finishing up plans to marry the woman in the next room—a woman Kade hadn’t been able to get out of his thoughts since their fling.

Stubble darkened his chin. A haunted face stared back at him.

So much for looking in the mirror. He reclaimed his seat and took Bree’s hand in his, where it felt right.

Another hour passed when a floor nurse, Harley, ducked her head inside. “I’m here to help with a shower.”

Bree opened her eyes. The sleepy smile she sent Kade’s way was a shotgun blast to the center of his chest.

“A shower sounds like heaven.” Her throat was still scratchy-sounding, which gave it a low, gravelly effect. And that was a shot somewhere else he didn’t need to think about right then.

Harley moved to her bedside. “We can do it right here or in the bathroom, whichever you prefer.”

“A real shower.” Excited brown eyes blinked up and then at him.

“Would you mind giving me a hand to get her in the bathroom?” Harley’s gaze fixed on Kade.

“Not at all.” His body was stiff from all the sitting anyway.

Kade bore most of Bree’s weight as he helped her across the room. He stopped at the bathroom door. End of the line. “I’ll be in the hallway if you need me.”

“Thank you.” Bree caught his gaze and held it. “For everything.”

After stepping into the hallway, he checked his phone. He must’ve dozed off earlier because he hadn’t heard his cell buzz. There were several messages from Travis. The gist was that all available personnel were on the hunt for the Reaper. A BOLO had been issued, and all law enforcement departments in Texas were aware of the recent attempt on Bree’s life. Considering signs pointed to this case being linked to the serial killer, the FBI had touched base to offer resources. Travis’s friend from San Antonio PD wanted to speak to Bree personally. Amidst all the chaos and news, Travis couldn’t seem to get ahold of Sheriff Carr. He asked Kade to call if the sheriff showed up at the hospital.

Kade called Chloe next. She picked up on the first ring.

“How is she?” his sister asked.

“Shaken. She seems a little disoriented. The drug he gave her seems to be wearing off, though. She’s awake and alert enough to take a shower. The nurse is helping her now. Baby seems fine, too.”

“That’s all very good news.” The relief in Chloe’s tone was palpable.

“It is.” He held onto the information that Bree’s child belonged to him. It wasn’t his news to share without discussing it with Bree. “Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything. You know that.”

“Stay indoors as much as possible. When you’re home, make sure the doors are locked and the alarm is set. Even when you’re awake.”

“This whole thing has me rattled, too,” she admitted. “I’ve been checking to make sure my car doors are locked. Did she say how he got to her?”

“Her truck broke down on the road and he kidnapped her, but she thinks he was inside her house before. He might’ve been watching her for weeks before the attack.”

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