Page 81 of Hunting the Truth
“Got it,” Eric said, going over to Josh. “Then let’s get the deputy sheriff to where he can get medical attention.”
Maya and Eric got on each side of Josh and helped get him to his feet. They started the slow descent back down the trail with Juniper by Maya’s side. Josh put as much weight as he could on his leg. It took a little bit, but they finally came out of the tree line and back into the open meadow.
Maya could hear the helicopter in the distance, the sound of the blades echoing off the mountains. She and Eric carefully helped Josh sit back down on the ground. Maya took Josh’s vitals and checked the tourniquet. Everything seemed to be holding in place and Josh’s vitals were good. She was just worried about the stake moving around or coming loose—she didn’t want further damage done.
The chopper was getting closer. Eric looked at both Maya and Josh.
“Sorry to do this,” he said. “But I’m outta here.”
Then he sprinted off.
Juniper was ready to go after him, but Maya called her off. Reluctantly, Juniper listened and came back. Maya praised her. As much as she wanted her dog to go after Eric, she couldn’t leave Josh. That would leave him extremely vulnerable. As frustrating as it was, they would track Eric later. Maya figured he would run when the cuffs were off, but she still felt like he had played her. She would figure out how to get him. Someday, she’d be the one to arrest Eric Torres.
“I’m going to kill that guy,” Maya said. “This is the second time he’s done that to me.”
“Is there anyone else out there?” Josh asked, sitting up. “Do you think he set an ambush for us?”
Maya peered around. If there was someone, their best bet would be to come from the direction of the willows that ran alongside a stream. She and Josh were easy targets.
“I don’t see anyone,” she said.
“We’re in the worst place possible—a wide open space,” Josh said.
“Next time, don’t get hurt and we can stay hidden.”
“Next time, wake me up when you decide to run off with a wanted felon,” Josh said.
Maya shook her head. “You’re infuriating.”
“Like you can talk.”
“I know,” she said. “I’m trying to be better, but I’m not good at relying on others.”
“How did that work in the military?”
Maya hesitated. She had to be honest with Josh. “I relied on my Marine brothers and sisters there. A lot of them didn’t come home alive. They came home in a C-130 with flags over their caskets. I swore after that I would take care of myself and not put anyone else I cared for in danger. I feel like all I’ve done is buried friends and loved ones. I thought it would be better to just worry about me. Plus, it’s easier to push you away than it is to admit that I love you.”
“You love me?”
“Yes. I do...” Maya was quiet for a minute and Juniper gave out a small whine. She reached out and petted Juniper. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, but I can’t love you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I can’t lose you too. What if something happens to you?”
Josh reached up and placed his hand on her cheek. She took her hand and covered his.
“You’re not going to lose me,” he said. “I’ll always be here for you.”
“Just don’t lie to me about that.”
“I won’t,” Josh said.
Maya was about ready to say more when Juniper stood up. She started barking and growling in the direction of the willows.
Chapter Forty-One
Eric fled, running as fast as he could. He looked back over his shoulder, certain that Juniper would be after him, but Maya had called her off. Relief swept over him. Maybe she was starting to trust him. Maybe she was starting to realize that he wasn’t here to hurt her, but he desperately needed that evidence.
