Page 66 of Explorer’s Revenge

The fact that he convinced them not to amputate is a relief, although I could have found a way to live if they had. It would have been difficult to adjust, and I wouldn’t have let it change anything, but if they could save my leg, then I’m glad they did. “Dad, I’m sorry. I know you’re scared and worried about me, but I need to know where the guys are. Are they safe?”

If I’ve been out cold for a week, then they have to be here, so why aren’t they? It’s not all in my imagination. We bonded on that island. They wouldn’t let me wake up here alone.

He stares at me, and this pit opens in my stomach, but then the sliding of the door grabs our attention.

“I heard you’re awake.” I glance up as a heavily accented man in a suit walks in. My dad glares at him but says nothing. “We need to ask some questions?—”

“Ajax said when she’s ready, which isn’t now,” my dad snaps protectively, angling himself before me.

“Questions? I have my own. Where are they?” I ask.

He has to be a policeman or an investigator or something, considering the badge on his shoulder. He shares a look with my dad and sighs. “Miss Carter?—”

“Cut the shit. Where are they?” I demand.

“We only found you.” The words echo in my head. I see his lips moving as he continues to speak, but his answer is the only thing I hear.

We only found you.

It’s impossible. They were right there.

I try to focus on his words, but I interrupt whatever spiel he is giving me. “How? They were right there with me.”

“I’m very sorry. Our team searched for hours, and we didn’t see anything. If they were there, they are most likely dead. The weather grew too bad for us to carry on, so we had no choice but to pull back.”

“Is the storm still going?” I ask, my heart barely beating at the idea of them being there alone.

They aren’t dead. I know it.

“It passed a few hours ago,” he answers.

“Then why are you here? Get back out there!” I yell, falling from the bed. They both lunge toward me and help me back up. “They are alive, dammit!” I rip myself from their arms. “Get your ass back out there and find them.”

“Maeve.” The voice breaks through my panic, and I look up to see Ajax hurrying toward me. “I’m so glad you’re okay. We were so worried?—”

“Get your crew back out there and find them,” I order him, and Ajax looks around before realizing what’s happening.

“We will when the weather is better. Only a crazy person would head back out there in this storm, but Maeve, you need to prepare. They are now looking for bodies,” Ajax cautions, wincing.

“They are alive,” I hiss. “You know that better than I do. They wouldn’t die so easily.”

“Maeve,” Ajax murmurs.

“Enough!” my father roars, and everyone falls silent. “I thought my daughter was dead for what felt like a lifetime, but now she’s here, and she needs to rest. This can wait. Out. Now.”

“Of course,” Ajax replies. “Rest, Maeve. We will handle everything, so focus on getting better.” He lays his hand on theother guy’s arm, who nods, and both head out. I slump back before looking at my father, who’s staring at me.

“Daddy,” I begin, and he holds up his hand.

“I know what you’re going to say, kid. I know you better than anyone. You’re stubborn, relentless, and stupid, but not this time. Get back in bed,” he orders.

“I have to get out of here. We have to go back,” I beg.

“Maeve, Maeve, Maeve,” he says.

“We have to get the search team—” I need him to understand.

“Maeve!” I freeze at his bellow. “I almost lost you. I thought my daughter was dead and I would never know what happened or find your body. I wasn’t there, and I nearly lost you. I will not lose you again. Get back in bed.”