Page 47 of Knight's Desire

“How?” Brick’s voice thundered, and Hope was starting to wish she’d stayed behind at her house.

A different voice answered, this one with a more even tone. “We chased him and got close. But he took off through a subdivision back behind where Hope lives. We lost his trail after that. I’m not sure what he did, but we looked everywhere, man. The asshole is gone. How’s Iz?”

“She was blindsided with a knock to the head.” Bridget leaned forward, so her voice could be heard clearly through the Bluetooth. “She has a knot and a laceration. She’s lost a lot of blood, but the wound isn’t that deep. Head wounds tends to bleed heavily. She does have a concussion. She’s disoriented, and I have no way of knowing if she lost consciousness. Someone should call Egan. There’s not time for him to come up here to be with her, but he needs to know she’s hurt.”

“On it,” the loud one said.

“How’s Hope?” the other voice asked.

Brick turned his head to her, and she realized he expected her to answer. “Oh, um, I’m fine. Just shaken.”

“Can you tell us what happened? Sam couldn’t give us a lot of details.”

Bridget tapped her on the shoulder. “That’s Zane. Just tell him what you told me.”

“Z,” Brick spoke up. “Isobel went ahead of us to check the perimeter while I brought Hope home. When she didn’t make her presence known when we pulled up in the driveway, I tried to call her. The phone just rang without going to voicemail. That’s when I called for back-up. Sam stayed on the line to keep Hope company while I got out and went to check the perimeter for any sign of Iz. I’m guessing she found exactly what I found. Someone had used the firepit in the back. The fire had just been put out before we got there. I didn’t have a chance to check it out before I heard Hope scream.”

He reached out and squeezed her knee gently. She recognized the gesture as one meant to comfort, and she looked at his profile. His expression was hard as granite, but his gesture told her his fury was not directed at her. He was angry he hadn’t stopped the stalker from getting to her. She covered his hand with hers and returned the squeeze, communicating without words that she didn’t hold him responsible for what happened.

“Zane? This is Hope. Brick told me to stay in the SUV, and I meant to. But then Isobel came stumbling out from behind some shrubs and trees. She collapsed in front of us, and I could tell she was hurt. I just reacted without thinking that it might be a trap. As soon as I got to her, he grabbed me from behind.”

“So you didn’t get a look at him?”

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Close your eyes,” Brick told her in a gentle tone that belied his expression. “Take a deep breath. Breathe in slowly and release it slowly. Do it again. Again.”

She followed his direction until her heartbeat slowed, and her hands were no longer shaking.

“You’re safe, sweetheart. He can’t get to you as long as you’re with us. I need you to think back. You stepped from the SUV. What do you remember? A sound or a smell or anything could be helpful.”

“There was a crunch,” she replied in surprise. She hadn’t realized she even heard the sound until Brick coached her through the relaxation technique. “Like a stick that snaps in two when somebody steps on it, but I don’t think that’s what it was. Then he grabbed me. He was strong, but I wasn’t about to let him take me without a fight.”

“Good girl,” Brick muttered under his breath, and she felt warm from his praise.

“He’s taller than me. My head stopped just under his. He had me where I couldn’t raise my arms, but I could bend them. I scratched his hands as hard as I could. I was hoping to hurt him enough to let me go. It didn’t work.”

“You’re doing great, Hope,” Zane encouraged her. “Were you able to see what color his skin is?”

“No, I don’t think so. It was dark. His clothes and shoes were dark too. His sleeves and pants blended in with the night if that makes sense. He got mad when I scratched him. He shook me hard enough to rattle my teeth.”

“Did he say anything?”

“Yes.” Her eyes flew open as her memory replayed what happened in vivid detail. “He threatened to kill Isobel if I didn’t let him take me. He called me a bitch. So I headbutted him.”

“Damn. Good job,” Zane said, and Hope thought she saw the beginning of a smile on Brick’s face. “But you said he was taller than you. How did you headbutt him?”

“I only caught his chin. It was enough for him to loosen his grip. I dropped and hit the ground. Then you guys showed up.”

“Did you recognize his voice?” Brick asked her.

“No.” Her brow furrowed as she tried to remember. “Well, I’m not sure. Maybe. I didn’t recognize it, but it seemed familiar. Could that be because he called earlier? I know his voice was distorted over the phone, but I feel like I’ve ever heard it before. I’m just not sure where. I’m sorry. I’m not much help.”

“You did great.” This time when Brick looked her way, his features had relaxed, and her nerves calmed as well.

“He’s right, Hope. You did great. We’ll make sure your house is secure and collect any evidence we can before we head to the hospital,” Zane said. “I’ll report what happened with the Sheriff’s Department. They may want to get your statement later when you’re up for it.”

“We’re turning into the parking lot to the Emergency Department. We’ll keep you posted.” Brick whipped the steering wheel to make a sharp turn and then eased up in front of the ED doors.

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