by Piper Stone
“Go ahead. Need another drink anyway.”
“And that pig you’re roasting. Yeah, noticed it on the smoker. Looks pretty damn good if I say so myself,” Carter teased.
He rolled his eyes as he walked toward the hallway.
“Deputy Worth,” Carter answered. “Whoa. What do you mean?”
Sawyer stopped short, turning in the man’s direction.
“You have to fucking be kidding me?” Carter snapped his gaze in Sawyer’s direction.
Narrowing his eyes, Sawyer had a terrible feeling and walked closer.
“Yeah. I’ll find out. You’re certain?” Carter shook his head several times. “Then you dispatch several units here. Now!” He ended the call and took a deep breath, closing the distance.
“What’s going on?”
“Where is Reese?”
“I don’t know. Why?” Sawyer managed.
Carter took a deep breath before speaking. “Listen to me very clearly. Congressman Tatum has been found murdered.”
“What?” He tried to make sense of what the deputy was saying.
“I don’t want you to panic but we need to find Reese. They found evidence that Walker Tatum has been stalking her and they suspect he murdered his father.”
Sawyer shivered. “You have to be fucking kidding me.”
“Go find her. We have units dispatched here as well as throughout the city. We need to find her. Now!”
Reacting, he slammed his drink down on a table and rushed outside and onto the deck, scanning the perimeter. The party was in full swing, dozens of people milling about, dancing, drinking.
But there was no sign of Reese.
He bounded off the deck, pushing his way through the crowd. “Have you seen Reese?”
“Not in a few minutes. She was going to take a walk. What’s going on?” Jessica asked, the concern on her face increasing.
“We need to find her.” Sawyer was chilled, his heart thudding against his chest. “Please.”
“Okay. I’ll search.” Jessica grabbed Trinity’s arm. “We need to find Reese.”
He moved his way through the entire crowd, unable to find her.
“Sawyer.”
Hearing Carter’s voice, he stopped cold and turned. “What?”
“There were sightings of Walker Tatum heading up this very mountain.”
“Oh my God. This can’t be happening.” Sawyer searched the crowd for Boone as well as Stoker. “I’m going to search the entire ranch.”
“Be careful. If he killed his father, you know what he’s going to do,” Carter suggested.
“Then I’ll fucking kill him.” Without waiting, he began to run in the direction of Boone, snagging his arm and yanking him away from a group of people.
“What’s wrong?” Boone demanded.
“Reese is missing. We have to find her. Walker Tatum is the monster who threatened her.” Sawyer waved toward Stoker, beckoning as his mind went into overdrive.
Stoker inched closer, the look of his face full of curiosity. “What is going on?”
“Reese is in danger. We have to find her.” Stoker pointed toward the back of the property. “If she took a walk, she would have no doubt gone in that direction.
“I’ll grab my gun from the truck,” Boone said under his breath.
“Let’s not do anything crazy,” Stoker stated, his breath sounds heavy.
“I don’t care what we have to do. That monster is out for her and I refuse to allow anything to happen.” Sawyer knew one thing, he would kill the fucker without a shadow of a doubt. “Fan out. Find her.”
“Will do,” Stoker said before moving into action.
Sawyer raced through the crowd, heading for his truck. He was no expert shot, but a Glock in his hand would even the playing field. His eyes sweeping the area as he ran, he was out of breath by the time he reached the truck. Grabbing the gun, he popped in a magazine from the bag he’d refused to remove from his vehicle and glared at the early evening sky. Darkness was not their friend. He knew they had a slim chance of finding her before the monster removed her from the property.
He headed in the direction that Stoker had given, pushing his way past the overhanging trees, the low brush. He was in his full training mode, forced into facing the concept of disaster. From somewhere, he could swear he heard the sound of sirens, but they could be too late.
“Sawyer!”
He heard the voice. Boone was following. He waited only a few seconds until his friend surfaced from the trees.
“What is the plan?” Boone snarled as he held the gun at his side. “The others are already on the search.”
“Walker had to leave the truck close to the property. We find the fucker and keep him here.” He noticed the rope secured on Boone’s belt. “What’s the rope for?”
“Just in case. You know the drop offs.”
A flash rushed into Sawyer’s mind, forcing a shake in his hands. “Then let’s go.” He forged through the forest. If they couldn’t find the asshole’s vehicle, there was a chance they wouldn’t find them until it was too late.
He heard the call of the other men as the searching ensued, every jumper working in formation, similar to a fire. His focus dimmed, he took long strides, panning back and forth through the dense trees.
“Over here!”
The call came almost ten minutes later.
His blood pumping, Sawyer rushed through the forest, weaving through the thick trees, locating the sound of the voice.
“Asshole parked here,” Moose stated, shooting a look toward a sleek Mercedes.
“That means we cut him off,” Steel snarled. “We should fan out.”
“Moose. Stay here in case he decides to double back.” Sawyer instructed.
“Will do. Steel. Stay with me.” Moose took guard, his massive frame full of tension.
Landen entered the space, panting as he walked closer. “I noticed a piece of material. I think it’s from Reese’s shirt.”
“Where?” Sawyer tried to keep his emotions in check.
“Down the path. And Sawyer?” Landen hesitated. “It’s leading toward the cliffs.”
Sawyer had already known the scenario, his sixth sense driving him into madness. “Then we follow.” Without saying another word, he headed into the trees, his adrenaline on overload, his mind furrowed with rage. He was aware the others following, keeping pace as they headed toward the falls. The pristine area was beautiful as well as deadly.
After only a few minutes, he heard a cracking sound and held out his arm.
The men quieted, listening. Waiting.
“No!” Reese’s voice was distinct, her terror evident.
“Go. Go!” Sawyer managed through clenched teeth, holding the gun between two hands. He swung into action, leaping over fallen limbs and underbrush, heading in the direction of the scream. Blinded by the foliage slapping against his face, he pushed on, every nerve on edge.
“Get away from me!” Reese snapped, then her strangled sound was cut off.
They were only a few feet away.
Boone stopped, motioning to Sawyer then pointing to the side.
Sawyer understood and flanked the other men, moving methodically into the opening. He held his breath as the understanding sunk in.
“Sawyer!” Reese screeched before Walker backhanded her, knocking her to the ground.
“Get your fucking hands off her,” Sawyer demanded, darting his glance to the edge of the cliff.
Walker laughed. “And you thought you could best me.”
He could see the comment was directed at Reese, his fury riding his already beet red face.
The rope around Reese’s neck seemed to tighten, cutting off her air supply. She struggled, her hands digging into the rope, sputtering as she tried to suck in air.
Sawyer heard the other men as they approached. “You’re surrounded on all sides.”
“Yeah? As if I give a fuck.” Walker dragged Reese closer to the edge. “She was the love of my l
ife and you stole her. You took her!” His ugly words reverberated in the forest.
Reese was choking, her breath sounds getting weaker.
“Let her go,” Sawyer said with little inflection and dared to take another step closer.
“Don’t do it!” Walker shoved her to the very edge.
Boone hissed, giving Sawyer a look.
Sawyer knew there was a slim chance they would get her out alive. The drop off was a solid three hundred feet. The impact would kill her. “Let her go.”
“Not a fucking chance in hell.” Walker laughed as he pushed again.
As her leg was forced off the edge, Sawyer could hear a series of smaller rocks, rushing downward. He was shaking, but realized he was absolutely in control. “You. Will. Not. Do. This.”
The air was dense, the moment of reckoning at hand.
Walker studied Sawyer’s face and time slowed as he lifted his head then smiled just seconds before he released the rope around Reese’s neck and gave a gentle, almost loving shove. “Yes. I. Will.”
In the next few seconds, Sawyer was cognizant that several of the jumpers had surrounded Walker, one of the men tackling him, but he was in motion, heading toward the edge. He dropped onto his stomach, peering over. “Reese.” She’d fallen on the single ledge located a solid one hundred feet down. “Reese. Can you hear me?”
Shifting after a few seconds, she moaned before lifting her head, coughing and sputtering. “Sawyer.”
Clenching his fist, he was stunned as the flood of memories rushed to the surface. He could not succumb. No, he refused to give into the Devil. “Boone! Stay right there, Reese. Don’t move. Okay?”
She nodded, a slight whimper escaping her lips and she dug at the rope surrounding her neck.
“What the fuck?” Boone crouched down, peering over. “This is bad.”
Sawyer thought about the only chance he could take. “The damn rope. I need to climb down.”
“Jesus, buddy. We need to wait for help. I can hear them coming.
“We can’t! There’s no time!” You can do this. You can.
Boone groaned. “Okay. Okay!”
Sawyer took several deep breaths, surveying the area. “Riker. Landen. I need your strength.”
“We’re here, buddy,” Riker answered.
“Good. Reese. I’m going to tie a rope around me and come down. Then I’ll get you out. Do you understand?” Sawyer called.
“Yes. I…” Reese shifted, and the move forced rocks to slide down the ravine. “Shit!”
“Stay right there. Do not move.” Sawyer grabbed the rope, yanking the twisted material around his waist.
“It’s thick. The thickest one I have,” Boone half whispered. “I hope to fucking God it’s strong enough.”
“It will be. It fucking will be.” Sawyer tugged on the end, making sure he was tied.
“This is damn dangerous,” Landen exclaimed.
“What choice do I have?” Sawyer eased one leg over the edge, taking several deep breaths. His vision was suddenly foggy.
“Jesus Christ. What are you doing?” Carter raced toward the group of men.
“Just take the asshole away!” Riker stated as he snarled.
Boone exhaled and grabbed the rope, tying it around his waist. “We will do this. Get it?”
Sawyer nodded to his best friend and whether karma had reared its ugly head or this was a test, he no longer gave a shit.
He would save the woman he loved.
“Just hold on, baby. Try not to move.” Sawyer watched as Riker and Landen, Garcia and Stoker held the rope, pulling back until it was taut.
“Careful, dude. I don’t want to lose you,” Boone whispered.
A single tear formed in the corner of his eye. History was not going to be repeated. He started down, carefully placing foot after foot in craggy areas. He fell into a zone, shutting out everything around him as he climbed down. Losing his footing, he was tossed down several feet.
Boom! Crash!
“Shit!” Boone yelped. “Hold him!”
Several larger rocks flew down and Sawyer dropped his head, praying to some God above that Reese wouldn’t be hit. He swallowed before counting to five then moved down inch by inch.
“Careful!” Boone called.
He looked up at his friend, the man he was terrified would die and knew the dreams had a meaning indeed, only ones he hadn’t been able to decipher until now.
This time, Boone was the savior.
“I’m almost here,” Sawyer called and took another few steps down. He heard the creaking of the rope but trusted that his friend knew what he was doing. “Almost there, baby.”
Reese was shivering but she reached out her hand, a smile on her face. “I can grab it. I can.”
“Wait. Just wait.”
Creak!
Whoosh!
“Fuck!” Riker half screamed as Sawyer was dropped another two feet.
“Hold it! Goddamn it!” Boone shouted.
Panting, Sawyer saw stars in front of his eyes. He was not going to lose the woman he loved desperately. “Okay. We are going to do this.” Swinging the rope, he calculated the drop before letting go.
Catching the end, Reese clambered closer to the mountain. “I. Got. It.” Her words were stilted.
“Okay. Tie it around you. Can you do that?” Sawyer forced a lilt in his voice.
“I can.” After a few tries, she was able to maneuver the rope around her, taking her time to tie a knot with shaking hands.
“Tight?” Sawyer asked then darted a glance above. He could see the extreme strain on the rope.
“Very,” she said then whimpered. “Sawyer, I love you.”
The words were said in agony and defeat and in those few seconds, Sawyer was taken to a dark place, unable to hear anything around him. He hoisted the rope around his arm and kicked down another two feet.
“Jesus!”
Boone’s voice echoed.
Reaching out, Sawyer gave her a smile. “Grab my hand. I am not going to let you go. Do you hear me?”
She nodded and reached up, yelping as another series of rocks slid from above.
“Hold the fucking rope!” Landen called.
“Okay, baby. I have you. I have you.” The moment he clasped her hand in his, he pulled gently, willing his muscles to work. Straining, he heard another creak but refused to look up.
“Sawyer. It’s slipping!” Boone yelled.
“No. Hold. It!” Sawyer commanded and focused only on the woman he loved. Willing his body to perform as required, he began to shake and gritted his teeth. Pulling. He was going to save her. Opening his mouth, he began to scream as the rope slid down another few inches. Then another.
“Sawyer!”
“No!”
The helicopter blades were almost comforting, and Sawyer concentrated on the noise. He wasn’t blinking, only staring at the beautiful yet scarred mountains as the sun shimmered across the rocky ridges. He had no words for what he was feeling, no understanding of what had occurred.
“You okay, buddy?” Boone asked, shooting him a guarded look as he maneuvered the controls, heading over the tallest mountain peak.
“I’m okay,” Sawyer answered.
“Still afraid of those heights?”
Sawyer grinned. “Not today.”
“But I am. Jesus. I hate this.” Reese peeked out from the seat behind, her face pensive. “Where are we going again?”
“A surprise,” Boone answered. “Don’t worry. We’ll be there very soon.”
Falling into the rumble of the engine, Sawyer leaned against the seat as he reached for Reese’s hand, kissing her palm.
“This is your idea of a good time?” she whispered, only so Sawyer could hear.
“Boone’s idea. Not mine.” He was grateful for so many things, including being able to save her life. He was well aware that he was a lucky man in so many ways. From his team being by his side, working to pull them both to safety, to the way they handled t
he capture of one horrible man, he was thankful for so many things. The monster had killed his own father in his obsession for Reese, but thankfully had not been able to find another victim. Still, he couldn’t be tried for the original murders, but there was no doubt, the asshole would be tried and convicted for his atrocities in some appropriate manner.
“We’re almost there,” Boone said.
Sawyer heard the lilt in the man’s voice, could see the twinkle in his friend’s eyes. He pressed another series of kisses on Reese’s hand and tried to relax.
“Take a look.” Boone pointed.
Sawyer leaned forward, looking out the windshield. “The horses.”
“Yep. I thought you might like to show Reese your favorite horse.” Boone chuckled. “Besides, you’ll be able to see the mustangs anytime you want to.”
“What does that mean?” Sawyer sat in awe, watching the mustangs as they ran. This wasn’t the same area they’d been to before. This pasture was lush and green and from what he could tell, very protected.
Boone tipped his head. “It means that Spence found a place they could roam free, safe from any government action or monsters for that matter.” He dropped the helicopter and slowed the engine. “I think you’ll like this location.”
He glanced back at Reese and although he’d told her about the majestic white horse, there was no way he could have described the beauty of the steed or the shared connection.
“I can’t wait,” she said then squeezed Sawyer’s hand.
“What if he isn’t there?” Sawyer asked absently, searching the pasture as the horses ran, moving in various directions.
“He’ll be there. You have to trust in faith for once in your life, brother,” Boone said quietly as he shifted, and the helicopter dropped another few feet.
Sawyer held his breath as the bird was landed, dust from the surrounding land kicking up in all directions. After a few seconds, he unbuckled his seatbelt, easing out and helping Reese onto the ground.
“This is beautiful!” Reese called as the wind from the blades washed over them.
He blinked several times as the dust cleared, and a rush of electricity coursed through every cell in his body.
Standing in the middle of the field was the white mustang, his eyes pinned on the visitors.
“That’s the horse?” she asked, wrapping her fingers in between Sawyer’s.