Chapter 15 #3
“Fifteen!” Evie’s voice rose. “How is it possible Kyle killed so many people without anyone realizing it?”
Rueger grimaced and averted his gaze. After a long moment, he said quietly, “I failed, that’s how.”
Cam almost felt sorry for the detective. Almost. In his opinion, the guy should have paid more attention to his and Evie’s concerns about Skye’s disappearance fourteen years ago. “Kyle must have killed more than one victim per year.”
Rueger nodded. “I think Skye was his first. We’ll never know exactly how she died, but we do know Jasmine was raped and strangled to death.
” The detective sighed. “I think he laid low for a long time after killing Skye, but then over time, he grew bolder in stalking and identifying his victims. I learned from Dan Johnson that Kyle had stopped to get food in the hospital cafeteria a few days before Jasmine disappeared. Dan thought it was strange and went over to talk to Kyle who gave him some song and dance about liking the hospital food.”
Evie snorted. “Nobody likes hospital food.”
Cam noticed Doc grinned at that. He eyed Rueger. “You believe I fired in self-defense.”
“Yes. And that Evie’s actions were done in self-defense too.” Rueger paused, then added, “I’m sorry I doubted you.”
It was a lame apology, but more than he’d expected, so he simply nodded. “I’m glad we know the truth.”
Rueger’s phone rang. He grimaced as he eyed the screen. “Looks like the feds are here and want to talk. I’m sure they’ll love helping me find the other thirteen victims.”
Cam wasn’t going to apologize. “I called their office in Grand Rapids last night and left a message.”
“I figured.” Rueger turned away. “I hope you recover soon, Walker.”
“Thanks.” He watched as Rueger left the room, then shifted toward Doc. “You couldn’t have gotten to the rental house sooner, huh?”
“Sorry, bro. Summer traffic can be rough.” Doc nodded toward Evie. “Your girlfriend had the situation under control. She did good, Cam. Real good.”
“Because I let her down.” His voice was sounding hoarse again.
“She’s standing right here,” Evie said loudly. “And you didn’t let me down, Cam. We never seriously suspected Kyle Abernathy.”
“I should have,” he shot back. Then he reached for the cup of ice chips. Evie helped him take another spoonful. The melting ice was a balm to his raw throat. “I would never have forgiven myself if Kyle hurt you.”
Bruno put one large paw on the side of his bed. Cam couldn’t help reaching out to scratch the dog behind his ears.
“I think I’ll leave the two of you to work this out,” Doc said, still grinning. “But, Cam, don’t be an idiot. Evie’s a keeper.” With that, his teammate turned and left the room.
Cam turned so he could see Evie better. “I’m sorry. I told you I wouldn’t leave, but I did. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Cam, you put your life on the line for me and Bruno.” Her gaze softened as she bent to press a kiss to his cheek. “There’s nothing to forgive. I’ve prayed nonstop that God would spare your life, and He answered my prayers. That’s all that matters.”
He held her gaze, deciding there was no reason not to follow through with Doc’s suggestion. “Evie, I love you. And Bruno,” he added, as the dog’s nose nudged his hand.
“Did I sleep through a nurse giving you pain meds?” Evie asked.
“What? No.” He put a hand up to touch his bandage. “Trust me, this burns like fire. Is that your way of saying you don’t feel the same way? If so, I understand,” he hastily added. “I would still like to see you again, if you’re willing.”
An exasperated expression crossed her features. “I do feel the same way. Watching you fighting for your life was the hardest thing I’ve done since my mother passed away. I love you, too, but wanted to be sure . . .” She let her voice trail off.
Now he understood. He reached over to cradle her hand between his. “Evie, I love you. This isn’t the meds talking, it’s the truth. I knew I was falling for you the minute I saw you again that first night.”
“Oh, Cam.” Her eyes filled with tears that she rapidly blinked away. “I still think you might be under the influence of pain meds, but we can talk more once you’re released from the hospital.”
“I’m not under the influence.” He tightened his grip. “I love you. You prayed for me, but I want you to know I prayed for you too. You brought God’s light and love into my life.”
A wide smile bloomed on her face. “I’m glad.”
He tugged her hand. “I can’t reach up to you, so you’ll have to come down here so I can kiss you.”
She laughed and covered his mouth with hers. Their lips clung until the door of his room opened. Evie quickly straightened, her cheeks flaming red. Annoyed, he was about to yell at Doc to leave them alone when he realized the man standing there was the surgeon.
Rotten timing, but then again, he vaguely remembered the doc telling him he’d be back. Besides, Cam wanted nothing more than to heal quickly enough to get out of the hospital so he could devote himself to showing Evie just how much he loved her.
God willing, now and forever.