Page 58 of One Last Chance

“I’ll help you.”

She turned back.

“You’ll . . . help me?”

And maybe yes, it had to do with a little blame leaping, and maybe a dose of seeing that frustration and grief on her face, but really . . . he didn’t want her to leave.

Not yet.

Because somehow Sparrow, the girl on the other end of the radio, still had ahold of him, was still keeping him from drowning.

And he wasn’t ready to let go.

“Yeah, I’ll help you find Kennedy, or the serial killer. Both. Whatever. Maybe we start with talking to Ashley, the girl who got away.”

She smiled, wide and bright and full, her eyes shining. “Thanks, Phoenix.”

He’d forgotten he’d told her that nickname.

But maybe he didn’t mind.

Maybe, in fact, it was time for him to rise from the ashes.

The nurse poked her head in. “Okay, superstar, it’s time to go home.”

“I thought?—”

“Listen, we’ll take care of the mountain climber. I’ll be in every hour to annoy her. Go home.”

He got up. “What’s your name?”

“Aw, Axel, c’mon, don’t you remember me?”

He shook his head.

“Right. Okay, it’s probably better that way.” She smiled at Flynn. “Say goodbye to Mr. Rescue, and I’ll be in to check on you soon.”

She left and he stood there, looking at Flynn.

And she looked at him.

“Right, then. See you in the morning.”

“I’ll be here.”

Another beat. Then he took a breath, nodded, and fled the room before he did something really stupid.

Then again, stupid seemed to be his MO.

He met Moose in the hallway. Deke was there, waiting.

“She’ll give you a statement in the morning,” he said. “It’s late and she’s not going anywhere.” At least, he hoped not.

“Seriously?” Deke shook his head. “I ate cold wings and ribs for nothing?”

Axel grinned and followed Moose out to the truck.

And was asleep before Moose pulled out of the parking lot.

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