Page 13 of Shadowed Rubies
Dani glared in Molly’s direction. “Oh, now you wake up?”
I couldn’t keep the surprised sound from erupting from my chest. Molly’s gaze darted in my direction. Her eyes narrowed into angry slits as she said to me, “Oh, now you show up?”
My kid sister’s ability to quickly turn the blame in my direction made Dani snort with a startled laugh. She quickly covered her mouth with the palm of her hand as if she was trying to contain her inappropriate reaction.
Molly moved to stand up, so I took long strides toward her. Holding my hand out, I helped her up and pulled her into my arms. We weren’t normally a super touchy-feely family, but today’s events called for a bear hug. Since she didn’t push away from me, it was obvious that she’d had a horrendous scare.
When my eyes traveled over to where Dani was hovering, I realized the woman was standing there with her arms crossed, awkwardly hugging herself and trying not to let the tears fall that were welling in her eyes.
Overwhelming gratitude for this woman that had just risked her life to save my sister surged through me. Pulling one arm away from Molly, I held a hand out toward Dani.
Once Molly realized what I was doing, she invited the other woman into our embrace by doing the same with one of her hands.
Dani hesitated for a long enough moment that I began to wonder if she was going to decline our offer of comfort. She looked down at the ground before rushing over to us with her arms open.
Both women leaned their heads on my shoulders as we stood there clutching each other. I couldn’t find the words to express how grateful I was that they were both okay, but they didn’t seem to need to hear any comforting words. Our tight three-way embrace lasted until the cavalry arrived.
Meg was the first to make her way to the clearing, but she was quickly followed by more members of our search party. After radioing to the others that we had found them and our location, Meg walked over to glare down at Kevin.
I’m guessing it was a very good thing for him that he remained unconscious because Meg looked like she would kill him if he made a single move. Tearing her eyes from him, she sought out her best friend.
“Dani,” she exhaled as she moved toward us with open arms.
Dani left our little cocoon to accept Meg’s offer of comfort. I was surprised to find that I immediately missed the warm heat of having Dani leaning against me. Hugging Molly just wasn’t the same.
I heard Dani ask Meg about Bruiser and watched her sag with relief upon hearing that the dog had been rescued from the fire. Although I didn’t become a fireman for the praise and glory, I found myself wishing in that moment that Meg had told Dani that I was the one who had saved her pet. Something deep inside me craved Dani’s appreciation and respect.
When Hank and Jimmy, our town’s two full-time cops made their way into the clearing, Meg pulled back from Dani and snapped, “Oh, look. Tweedledee and Tweedledumb finally made it. Glad to see you decided to join us, boys.”
I chuckled, but lowered my face so they wouldn’t see my amusement over the accurate assessment. Our town cops were not known for being what anyone would consider on-the-ball.
Meg released Dani to go stand in front of the officers. After looking down at Kevin, who was still out cold, she shook her finger at the duo and said, “If you two screw this up, you’ll have to answer to me. Got it?”
Jimmy, the skinny cop that we’d gone to school with, rapidly bobbed his head up and down. I had to avert my gaze because I couldn’t stop smiling about Meg’s typical, fiery reaction. Honestly, I couldn’t blame the police officer for being frightened of the tiny woman. Once she made it through the police academy and became a cop, the crimes in this town would probably take a nose-dive.
Shaking my head slightly, I realized that the only known criminal in town was getting ready to be arrested, so things would likely quiet down for a while in Brunswick Bay Harbor even without Meg patrolling the streets.
When Meg turned her attention to the two women that had been abducted, she said, “You both need medical attention. I’ll radio dispatch and ask them to try to bring some stretchers out here.”
“I can walk.” Dani raised her chin stubbornly.
Never one to be outdone, Molly quickly said, “So can I.”
I lowered my face, so they wouldn’t see my grin. The women in this town were tough beyond measure and stubborn as mules. I wouldn’t wish for my worst enemy to have to go against them.
Meg looked uncertain about letting the other two women walk, but she gave a brisk nod of acceptance before ordering me, Hank, and Jimmy to help her carry Kevin. We each took a corner and hefted the dead weight of the large, unconscious man.
My location up by Kevin’s right shoulder gave me the perfect vantage point to get a good look at the man’s injuries. The large, red welt on his forehead made it clear that Dani’s blow had precisely struck her mark.
It would be wise of me not to get on this woman’s bad side. Watching her hips as they swayed her curvy rear end along the path ahead of us, I decided that I wouldn’t mind getting on any of her other sides, though.
16
Dani
Ipurposely inserted some extra sashay into my step, since I knew Max was behind me as he helped carry Kevin. Even though it was probably wishful thinking on my part, I could almost feel his warm gaze on my backside. Although I was being silly, and this was neither the time nor the place for such thoughts, the chance that Max might be watching me was all I could think about as we made our trek through the woods.
Molly was leading the way as if she knew precisely where she was going. I was glad she was with us because I didn’t want to admit that I had no idea which direction led back to the parking area.
