Page 27 of Witch
Grabbing her around her waist, she was wearing nothing more than her t-shirt and underpants. Her waist hit his shoulder, and he used that as an anchor for her to lean against. With his knife, he sliced the rope, and her weight fell against him.
The creaking of the boards and swaying of the shack told him he didn’t have much time. He tossed the woman like a sack of potatoes to Max, who immediately laid her on the grass for Wilson and Cruz to look at.
“Careful, Kade,” said Gaspar.
He leaped from the main center board to the doorway and quickly stepped lightly on the deteriorating dock. When he was safely on the grass, the entire shack shifted left and swayed into the bayou.
“Damn, that was close,” said Miller. “Is she okay?”
“Dehydrated, burns and marks on her wrists, her shoulders are going to hurt like a bitch when we lower her arms,” said Cruz. “Hold on, honey. This will only hurt for a minute.”
She nodded, moaning as they lowered her arms. Wilson tilted her head up, forcing her to take some water.
“Are you Dr. Linda Xavier?” asked Gaspar.
“Y-yes. Who are you?”
“Gaspar Robicheaux. I believe my sister Adele is a fan of yours,” he smiled.
“Oh, God. Adele. I love Adele,” she cried.
“Ma’am, did you see who took you?” asked Nine.
“No. I even taunted him to show himself, but he wouldn’t. He kept accusing me of being a witch. He even asked if I was a Robicheaux.”
“That’s our man,” frowned Miller.
“I think he was the man who approached me at the university and called me a heretic. I honestly just laughed, but he had my book in his hand. I went home and didn’t think anything about it. I always go for a run early in the morning. I remember closing my front door, putting the key in the lock, and that was it. When I woke, this is where I was.”
“Did he say anything else to you?” asked Gaspar.
“He said that if I survived the snakes, gators, and rats, I was a witch. If I didn’t survive, then I was innocent. Talk about medieval. Maybe he needs to write a book.” The men all smirked at her, and she shook her head.
“I’m sorry. Did you say that you wereallAdele’s brothers?”
“Not all are blood-related, but we are her brothers,” smiled Nine.
“She said she had a houseful, but I never expected you all to look exactly alike or damn near close. My stomach is cramping. I haven’t had water or food for a few days.”
“We’re going to take you to our clinic,” said Wilson. “We’ll get you cleaned up and call the police to take a statement.”
“What about the psycho witch-hunter?” she frowned. Nine smirked, turning to stare at Alvin and Trak. Gaspar nodded at the gator, then Nine turned back to the woman.
“I think we have someone who can help with that.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
He’d slept much later than anticipated. Considering the quality of his new bed, even he was surprised by it. Of course, the guests in the other rooms were already done for the evening and had either left the premises or were sound asleep, so that offered him some peace and quiet as well.
He showered and changed his clothing, once again chastising himself for being in this situation. There was nothing to do until he could convince others that they needed his services.
Across the street was a chain restaurant serving breakfast. He could afford to use one of his credit cards, but then he’d be forced to get creative. He’d paid for the entire week at the motel, and even though it was cheap, it wasn’t free.
“Coffee, sir?” asked the waitress. She wore a stained yellow smock and apron. Her eyes were tired-looking, as though she’d been on her feet for days.
“Yes. Please,” he said, forcing the nicety from his lips.
“Refills are free. Just wave me over, and I’ll keep it full.” He was shocked to hear it and actually smiled at the woman.
