Page 32 of Deadly Target (Rocky Mountain Courage 2)

“You were in a mood, dude,” Jack said. “We thought it best to give you your space.”

Erin gingerly slid from the treatment table.

“I’m free to go.” She studied his face. “How are you doing?”

“I’ll feel better once I get cleaned up.” He glanced at Jack. “Thanks for letting me borrow the clean clothes. The doctor wouldn’t let me put the muddy ones back on.”

“I keep an extra set in my truck with me. Keep the shirt.” Jack squeezed his shoulder.

Nathan groaned and shrank away. “Watch it. I got stitches.”

Jack’s eyes widened. “Oh, man, I should have known. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay.” Nathan tried to hide that the aches and throbs were beginning to get to him.

“You got stitches too?” Erin asked. “How many?”

“Twenty-four.”

“I only needed ten,” she said. “Why didn’t you say anything when we were out there? You acted like you weren’t hurt.”

Could he really tell them he hadn’t realized he had a gash that needed tending? He’d been too focused on Erin and making sure they endured the cold night in the wilderness. On getting them to the dam, which might have been a mistake in that their rescuers hadn’t searched the dam until this morning. But they were here and safe now.

“I get it.” Jack held his gaze.

Nathan saw in his eyes that he truly did understand. It was only a few months ago that Jack sustained much worse to save Terra—a woman he loved. At the thought, Nathan buried the rush of emotion. He and Erin weren’t a thing, and he couldn’t afford to love her.

“Come on,” Jack said. “Let’s get you home.”

Together the group exited the room. Erin stopped by the administration desk to provide insurance billing information. Terra had gotten Erin’s purse with her wallet and ID from her vehicle parked at the trailhead and brought it up to the hospital.

“I can take you home,” Jack said. “Terra will take care of Erin. Don’t worry.”

And Celia. Nadine had stayed with the woman through the night, and she’d been beside herself. Terra brought them both up to the hospital to see that Erin was all right.

And she was in good hands. Nathan could let go.

Jack hung back and waited for him. He felt as if he should say something to Erin, like they had unfinished business, but Jack was right and Nathan shouldn’t worry. For now, they could both use a few hours of rest and recuperation.

He turned his attention to Jack, who had been there for him today. Both Jack and Terra had been there for Nathan and Erin. “Thanks, buddy.” He wasn’t sure how people who didn’t have friends and family survived in this world.

Jack was walking with Nathan toward the exit when Celia approached. “Nathan, I need to talk to you.”

He glanced at Jack with a shrug. “Hold on.”

Celia pulled him aside so they could speak in private. She leaned close and whispered, “Did they find out what happened to the dam? Who caused it?”

He studied the woman who only last week allegedly tried to commit suicide. She denied she’d done it and had him worried for her state of mind. Now she was asking him who had caused the dam to fail.

Not what.