Page 73 of Critical Alliance (Rocky Mountain Courage 3)

“I’m working on it. I appreciate you asking. As soon as I have something to tell you, I’ll let you know.”

“Are you sure about that?” Nathan had crossed his arms. His stance was wide. He looked intimidating and official.

“I’m sure.”

Across the way, Mackenzie nodded and looked distressed. The urge to go to her nearly undid him. But he would find out more from Nathan before he made that move. “The zip line gave way? What really happened? How is that even possible?”

Nathan rubbed his jaw. “Exactly. We’re looking into it.”

“What can you tell me? I know I’m not an investigator or with the county, but I’d appreciate learning anything you’re willing to share.”

Nathan appeared to measure his words. Unsure how much he should share with Alex? “Apparently the zip line was installed by a company out of New Jersey. As a matter of precaution and per their insurance, the zip-line company employees check the line and assist to make sure the harnesses are attached properly.”

Alex shook his head. “Do you think it was an accident?”

“I’m leaning toward accident. But we’ll look at all angles. Forensic techs will examine the harness when we find it. But as far as I know, it’s still attached to the man. In the meantime, they can examine the clasp that remained on the zip line.”

Alex pursed his lips. “You said Mackenzie was the last person to talk to him. So that means she was next in line?”

Nathan’s frown deepened, and he pulled out his pad, then flipped through his notes. “Says here she could have gone next but hesitated, so Chad Hastings took her place.”

What did that mean?

Nathan closed his pad and fixed his eyes on Alex. “I get the strong sense that you’re not telling me everything.”

Not yet. “I’m just worried about her.”

“Has something else happened?”

“Nothing.”

“It would be better for her if you told us why she needs protecting.”

Nathan would keep pressing. Alex understood. “Look, as soon as I know something, I’ll tell you. Let me know what the forensic tech says about the harness. Was it cut or weakened in some way? I don’t see how this could fall under operator error since there are two guys put in place to manage it.”

“We’re interviewing them too.”

“So is the man who plummeted presumed dead?”

“Witnesses saw him land in the river. He could have hit the bottom and been knocked unconscious or killed. No one saw him come back up for air.”

Before Nathan could say more, Detective West ushered Mackenzie forward. She appeared dazed, and by the look in the detective’s eyes, he was concerned for her. He seemed to be handing her off to Alex as the designated caretaker. Had she indicated to him that she wanted to speak with Alex?

He was here for her, after all. What about Nora? Where was she during all this? Alex hadn’t thought to ask, and it was too late now.

He bent until he was eye level with her and hovered his hands over her arms, afraid that if he touched her, she might break. Though he knew she had to be strong to have already endured so much.

“Mackenzie,” he said softly.

She blinked a few times, then tears spilled over. “Alex.”

He said nothing else. Simply pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. She cried against him, soaking his shirt. He felt her wet tears against the skin on his chest. The deep anguish spilling out of her bore right through to his heart, drilled down to his bones. His knees shook, but he stood strong for her.

He had to be there for her next time.

He couldn’t be too late for her...

He couldn’t fail her too like he’d failed on the other side of the world.