Page 69 of Twin Threats In Austin

The face he most wanted to see emerged.

“Rochelle,” he said. “Look out. Asher might still be around here.”

She came bolting toward him as he met her halfway. After a quick embrace, she said, “I headed this way after hearing a shot but we got lost until I saw the drone hovering. I hoped it was you, but I couldn’t be sure.”

“You found me,” he said as a tsunami of relief washed over him. “Deputy Lee has been shot.”

She took in a deep breath and then moved toward the deputy. “Help is here.”

“Good timing,” he said. “My family will be expecting me to come home.”

“And you will,” she said before turning to Camden with a look that sent a wave of panic rushing through him. She moved a few steps away and then lowered her voice. “We found the victims.”

“And?”

“They’re alive but weak,” she said. “Benny and Kage—”

“Did you just say—”

“That’s right,” she said. “He found us and is helping carry one of the victims because they’re too weak to walk.”

Camden nodded. “I can carry Lee if you want to guide us to safety.”

“I’m turned around,” she admitted. “And I need to run back to tell the others that I found you. They’re slowly making their way but we’re an easy target.”

“A caravan moving through the woods will be hard to miss,” he agreed.

“What about the drone? Did it see you?”

“I think so,” he said.

“What if we stay here until help arrives?” she asked. “Do you think Lee will make it?”

“He lost a lot of blood, so I’m not sure,” he whispered. “We could be here overnight if we wait for a search-and-rescue team.”

“True,” she said.

“Plus, Asher is still out there,” he added.

“And we took what he believes to be his,” she said. “The concrete cellar he kept them in isn’t far.”

“Then we should get on the move,” Camden said.

“Can we risk it?”

“Do we have a choice?” he asked.

Rochelle bit down on her bottom lip. “I guess not.”

Camden’s gaze shot down to her boot. “How badly are you injured?”

“Me? I’ll live.”

“What about your mobility?” he asked.

“I’ll do whatever I have to,” she said. “We have to get these people to safety, Camden. I can’t let them die. Not after everything they’ve been through.”

“I know,” he said.