Page 79 of Seeking Evil

“Sierra, wake up.”

His voice. Zeke’s voice. It sounded so close. But it couldn’t be real. Could it?

“Sierra, open your eyes.”

At the sharp command in his voice, Sierra’s eyes popped open.

“I’m here, babe. I’m here.”

She turned her head toward his voice. “Zeke.” Tears filled her eyes. “You’re here. You’re really here.”

She tried to give him a hug, but her hands were restrained.

“Hang on. I’m going to get you free.”

She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he released her wrists and ankles. Then she was in his arms and crying uncontrollably.

He gathered her close and lifted her up, carrying her from the basement while all she could do was cling to him.

Outside, Zeke placed her into the cruiser and scooted in next to her, still holding her.

Sierra didn’t think she’d ever quit crying. After everything she and Dawn had been through, she’d held back most of her emotions. Now that she was safe, she couldn’t stop crying.

“Is it over?” she asked without letting him go. She snuggled as close as possible to him because he was real. “Where’s Dawn?”

“They’re bringing her out soon.”

Two ambulances along with another sheriff’s cruiser pulled up.

“Is she okay?” She was worried about her friend.

“She’s going to get checked out too.” He told her about Inez.

“I can’t believe it,” Sierra exclaimed. Inez is T.”

Zeke pulled away and looked at her. “Who is T?”

“The name Henry used to refer to his partner.”

“I don’t know why he would call her T. Her name is Inez.”

Sierra frowned. “Maybe it’s a nickname.”

“It makes sense. Henry’s name is George.”

“There are others who didn’t make it.” She choked on the words. “Those first victims. They’re in Henry’s basement.”

Zeke tugged her back into his arms. “He set the place on fire. Probably to destroy evidence.”

Another person was brought out on a stretcher. “Wait, I thought you said Dawn was okay?”

“She is.” Zeke pointed to the woman being led from the house. “The one on the stretcher is Henry. He was shot.”

Sierra remembered the person who had shot at her and Dawn. “It must have been Inez.”

“Probably. I love you, babe, and I’m so sorry I forced you to run away.”

She couldn’t let him take the blame. “No, Zeke, this isn’t your fault. I plunged right in like I always do and didn’t take into account that you needed more time. I get it now. I’m willing to give you all the time in the world because I realize how much I love you and how I don’t want to lose you and—”

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