Page 121 of Enthrall Shadows
“That’s right,” said Tony.
“If you’ll excuse us,” I said. “We need to get going.”
Tony stared at us for a moment before offering a nod of approval. Then he turned and headed off into the trees.
I turned to face Henry. “Are you okay?”
He gave an uneasy nod.
“This is for us.” I pointed to the boat.
In a daze, he followed me toward the motorboat. Both of us climbed inside and kneeled to cope with the rocking. He sat near the engine and set his kit down beside him.
I sat opposite him. He appeared to be shell-shocked, caught in a state of panic.
“You need something sweet.” Kneeling before his rucksack, I rifled through it.
Henry shook his head, as though he were trying to escape the waking nightmare.
“We’re safe.” Pulling out a chocolate bar wrapped in silver packaging, I ripped it open with my teeth and held it up for him. “Eat.”
He blinked as he took the candy from me, biting into it and chewing.
He declined the second bar I offered.
“With your height and weight, you need two of these. I need to get sugar into your bloodstream. Eat.”
He looked at me with a pained expression, his eyes pleading for my forgiveness. None was needed. I hoped my kindness conveyed that.
In time, the adrenaline in his system would lessen, and the fight-or-flight response would diminish.
“We don’t have to continue,” I said softly. “We can turn around. Go home.”
He shook his head, likely believing we had already come too far to give up.
Cupping his face, I said, “You came to find me.”
A gentle but strong hand brushed me away.
I sat back to give him space.
He accepted the water container I offered. After taking a few swigs, he offered it back to me.
I took a few sips myself, realizing how thirsty I was after that scare.
“We’re a team,” I reassured him. “Watching out for each other is what we do.”
Calmer, he took another bite of the chocolate bar and offered me the other half.
“No, thanks.” I smiled at him. “You finish it.”
Henry gave a nod as though coming out of a trance.
“Reese came through with the boat.” I waited to see his reaction. “That man back there told me he knows a woman named Reese who lives out here.”
With each passing second, answers were drawing nearer.
Henry’s gaze softened. “That’s good news.”
