Page 122 of Caught in the Crossfire

His breath caught. Though bruised and battered, she personified a courage that wouldn’t quit. Linc had never admired anyone more than Dawn Metcalf, and acknowledged to himself that he was falling in love with her.

He slowly approached her, unsure of his welcome after her rough treatment at Patton’s hands. “It’s over, Dawn. You’re safe now.”

She blinked. Tears streamed down her cheeks, breaking his heart. Dawn dropped the stick and threw herself into his arms.

Linc held her while she cried. “I’ve got you, sweetheart,” he murmured. “No one will hurt you again.”

When her tears subsided, she whispered, “I couldn’t stop him.”

He stilled, praying she didn’t mean those words the way they sounded. Patton and Fisher had held her and Nicole hostage for hours. Had they raped the women? “I know Patton beat you. For the sake of your health, tell me the truth, Dawn. Did Patton or Fisher rape you?”

She shook her head. “Patton kissed me, but Nicole prevented him from going any further. I don’t think he would have stopped if she hadn’t. Although He said he just wanted a taste, Patton got caught up.” She shuddered and buried her face against Linc’s neck. “He would have raped me with Nicole in the room.”

Linc closed his eyes, thankful that she’d been spared and for Nicole’s quick thinking. He owed her, big.

“Is she okay? I didn’t want to leave her, but Patton and Fisher were coming, and I didn’t have time to cut her loose. If I’d tried, they would have caught me and confiscated the knife you gave me. Nicole told me to run.” More tears slipped down her cheeks. “I had to hide from gang members roaming the woods at first. When Patton found me, I ran. Please tell me Nic’s okay.”

He cupped her bruised face. “She will be.”

Dawn gripped his biceps. “What did Fisher do to her?”

“He beat her.” Whether Fisher did more than that was a question Mason would have to broach with his girl. “I don’t know how bad her injuries are. When I came after you, Mason was holding her in his arms. She was awake and alert.”

“I should have stayed with her. Fisher hurt her because I ran away, didn’t he?”

“Those men were a good 80 pounds heavier than either of you and more than half a foot taller. By splitting up, you forced them to separate. Together, Patton and Fisher encouraged each other to greater atrocities. Your actions kept Patton busy hunting for you instead of allowing their agenda to unfold as planned.” He trailed the back of his hand over her cheek, careful to avoid a bruise caused by Patton’s blows. “You did the right thing, Dawn. The plan was a solid one.”

“But I failed.”

“You frustrated both men and threw a monkey wrench into their plan.” He lifted one of her hands to his mouth and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “I’m proud of you. Even though Patton had you on the ground, you were still fighting.”

“I want self-defense training. I never want to be that helpless again. My father taught me some things, but I need more if…”

“If what?” he prompted.

“If I’m dating you.”

“You definitely are.” If their relationship continued to progress at the current pace, she’d be wearing an engagement ring in the near future. “I’ll be glad to train you to defend yourself.”

Although he didn’t want to let her go, they had to return to the compound. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Linc stripped off the black shirt covering his vest and helped her into it.

“What about Patton?”

“He’s not going anywhere.” He nodded toward Rod and Stella who approached Patton. “Time to take you to the hospital.”

“I’m fine.”

“For my peace of mind, I want a doctor to confirm that.” She might as well get used to it. Her health and safety would be his priority from now on.

Linc lifted Dawn into his arms and carried her away from the clearing.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Pain dragged Nicole from a fitful sleep. She blinked, staring at the bland walls with a television mounted in the corner. Where was she? The antiseptic smell brought back the memory of Dr. Anderson insisting she stay overnight in the hospital.

She had to admit that Fisher had done a number on her. At least, he hadn’t raped her.

Her experience with Patton and Fisher had solidified her desire to pursue self-defense training. Never again would she be that vulnerable. First on the agenda was learning how to free herself from zip ties.

---