A rebels beacon, p.14
A Rebel's Beacon, page 14
“Got it.” Sadie nodded.
She watched, barely breathing, as the two got farther away. Gunnar’s skill in maneuvering Dexter through the crack was poetic in its fluidity. Every move rolled into the next without hesitation. Before she knew it, the two crested the ridge, and it was her turn to go. With numb fingers, she reached for the first handhold, then the second, pushing herself to not think and just move. She glanced up, then right back down. Big mistake. Her head spun and her grip loosened.
Bjørn gripped his fingers around the cliff’s edge as Sadie swayed against the rope. Hollering at her wouldn’t help. Maybe he needed to strap in and rappel down.
He glanced back at Gunnar and the others, getting Dexter secured to the backboard. The Miller kid looked freaked, his wide-eyed gaze darting from Dexter to the edge like he couldn’t believe his friend had actually survived. His stare landed on the edge where Sadie’s rope went over and hardened.
Nope. Bjørn wouldn’t do the hero bit unless absolutely necessary. For one, Miller’s kid would probably make a big deal about it to anyone who wanted to hear about the rescuer needing saved. And two, Sadie would hate it if he stepped in. She knew how to climb. She just needed to focus through the fear.
He peered down the cliff, his mouth dry, though the rain still pounded around them. She’d steadied herself and had made it to the tight spot. He held his breath, willing her through. It whooshed out with a laugh as she slid up the crack without hesitation.
“Good job, babe,” he yelled down at her.
Within no time, she pulled herself over the ledge. Her wide smile had warmth spreading through his muscles and seeping into his bones. The chill from the downpour was forgotten. He pulled her to him and kissed her quickly.
“You’re amazing,” he whispered in her ear before he pulled back and helped her unhook.
She put her hands on her cheeks, her lips still wide with joy. Her eyes moved to Dexter, and all the joy vanished. He’d find a way to celebrate her win over fear when they got home. Now, they needed all their focus on getting Dexter safe.
They packed up the gear and made it back to camp in half the time it took them to get to Dexter. Bjørn let Drew and Sadie help Gunnar settle Dexter into a tent. Drew hadn’t been able to get the SAT phone to work, so it was up to Bjørn to get them out of there. With the winds still blowing, it was unlikely the coast guard or anyone else could fly out.
As he emerged from the trees where his chopper sat, he stopped on the rocks and stared at his Annie. His head shook in disbelief, and his heart thudded dully in his chest. The lightning strike had sheered off the back rotor blade. They wouldn’t be flying anywhere.
Couldn’t he catch a break? He stomped to the bird. Psychotic terrorists had blown up his first chopper. Now this one had thousands of dollars worth of damage. That was just what he saw on the outside. There was no telling what kind of damage he’d find once he started digging.
He huffed out his anger. At least they’d survived. A busted bird was better than being dead.
He climbed inside and flipped on the radio. Nothing. Growling, he made his way through the electrical system. His ribs grew tighter around his lungs with each check he did. Not only were they not flying out of there, but he doubted he could get the radios working to call in a rescue. They were stuck with a dying kid and no way to get help.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sadie pulled the second sleeping bag up over Dexter’s chest as he shivered again. He hadn’t woken since they’d found him, and she was beyond worried. The storm rapped against the tent’s side, making it shudder violently.
She sighed, rubbing her fingers over her dry eyes. She’d told Gunnar to go sleep an hour ago. He’d worked tirelessly for the last six hours, first hauling Dexter out, then doctoring him up. She’d been embarrassed that she’d fallen asleep when she’d checked on Callie. She’d only meant to rest her eyes but had startled awake two hours later, disoriented and appalled that she’d slept so long.
When she’d rushed into the tent, Gunnar had given her a sad smile that held so much exhaustion in its tight lines, she ordered him to go rest. She had seen no one else, but considering it was two in the morning, she didn’t expect to.
She pulled her hands from her face and jumped. Dexter’s bright blue eyes stared up at her. His pupils dilated in fear as his gaze darted around the tent.
“Hey, it’s okay Dexter.” She laid her hand on his head, hoping the touch would calm him. “I’m Sadie. I’m with search and rescue.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing but a croak came out. His lips and chin trembled as he tried again. Sadie’s heart broke into a million pieces at what this young man must think and feel.
“Here. You must be thirsty.” She moved a medical tube that Gunnar had fashioned into a straw to Dexter’s lips. “Go slow, okay?”
He nodded and winced. Taking four gulps, he closed his eyes and sighed. She should go get Gunnar. He’d want to check Dexter over now that he was awake.
She placed her hand over the back of his that he had clenched around the sleeping bag. “I’m going to go get our medic. He’ll want to know you’re awake.”
Dexter grabbed her hand with surprising strength. “The others. Are they safe?”
She smiled, hoping to reassure him, and patted his hand with her other. “They’re fine, just resting. It’s been a long three days.”
“Cody … Cody—” He swallowed, frustration pushing his forehead low over his eyes, and his breathing grew fast and shallow.
“Cody’s fine. They all are.” Sadie shifted on her knees and placed her palm against his cheek to calm him.
He shook his head and pinned her with a stare. “Cody pushed.”
His voice faded, and she leaned over him to hear him better. There must be some confusion. Her heartbeat pulse roared in her ears, making it hard to hear.
“What?” She hated the shake in her voice.
“Cody pushed me off.”
Thunder boomed through the tent, amplifying what Dexter just said to bone-shaking levels.
“Cody pushed you … on purpose?” She couldn’t help the question from tumbling out. Why would someone do that?
The zipper to the tent slid open, and she turned to tell Gunnar what Dexter had said. Cody ducked into the tent, letting the door flap in the strong wind. Sadie’s stomach bottomed out and her heart raced to near exploding.
“So, you woke up.” Cody stared at Dexter as his mouth twisted in an unkind smile.
“Cody, you need to leave, now.” The authority in Sadie’s voice surprised her.
Cody probably had seventy pounds on her, but she wasn’t about to let him hurt Dexter again.
“You couldn’t just leave her alone?” Cody asked, ignoring Sadie like she wasn’t even there. “You knew I wanted her, but you had to push your way in.”
“You’re crazy.” Dexter’s voice came out choppy between his quickening breaths. “She doesn’t want you. Never did.”
Sadie shifted her legs to a better position. Her shoulders bunched tight and arms tingled. This guy was nuts, pushing someone off a cliff over a girl.
“You’re wrong.” Cody’s angry words rushed through clenched teeth.
Lightning filled the tent with bright light, followed by a loud boom. It flashed against metal as Cody lifted his arm and lunged for Dexter. Sadie screamed, jumping in front of the injured man as the knife came slashing down.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Bjørn rolled his shoulders as he walked back to camp. After hours of work, he’d figured out how to reroute the wires to the radio and had called in their location. As soon as the storm lifted enough to fly, the coast guard would come get them. Bjørn breathed easily for the first time since landing.
Voices floated from the tent Dexter fought for his life in, so Bjørn veered course to check in before he changed into dry clothes and crashed for a few. Lightning flashed close, causing Bjørn to duck. His laugh at himself changed to cold terror as Sadie’s scream ripped through the air.
Rushing to the tent, he charged in to find Sadie wrestling with Cody Miller. She struggled to hold his hand away as he pushed a knife down toward her. Bjørn dove at Cody, grabbing his arm and wrenching it behind him.
The man bucked and kicked out at Bjørn’s legs, but Bjørn held on tight. Cody’s yell sent chills down Bjørn’s already freezing skin. Sadie scrambled over to Dexter, placing her body between him and the thrashing madman.
Cody wiggled like a worm, pulling and making his way loose from Bjørn’s grip. Cody threw his head back, and Bjørn dodged. The jerk’s head smashed into Bjørn’s cheek, exploding stars across his vision. Sadie took a foot to the chest, flinging her back over Dexter.
Blood pounded in Bjørn’s ears as fiery rage rushed through his body. He yanked Cody’s hand that still held tight to the knife higher behind him. A loud pop of Cody’s shoulder, followed by his blood-curdling scream, filled the air as lightning flashed. Cody didn’t give up but kicked out at Dexter even harder.
Sadie pushed off from Dexter, her arm swinging in a powerful arc. Her hook smashed into Cody’s jaw just below his ear. He froze, then melted into a heap in Bjørn’s arms, knocked out cold.
The flap to the tent ripped to the side, and Gunnar climbed in, his gaze scanning the space. “What happened?”
“Cody tried to kill Dexter.” Sadie breathed hard where she slumped next to Dexter. “Pushed Dex off the cliff too.”
“Why?” Drew’s shocked voice turned Bjørn’s attention to the crowd at the tent door.
“I think Cody was jealous of Dexter.” Sadie stared down at the guy still hanging on the thin balance between life and death, her words leaving Bjørn stunned. “Jealous that Callie chose Dexter.”
“This is all my fault.” Callie stepped forward, her voice hitching with tears. “I shouldn’t hav—”
“No.” Dexter’s voice, while weak, held determination. “Not your fault.”
“Dex?” Callie held her trembling fingers to her lips.
Dexter motioned for her to come near. Sadie crawled over Cody to get out of the way. Bjørn grabbed her arm and wrapped her in a hug. If he’d been a minute later, she’d probably be dead. He squeezed her tighter to him and buried his face in her hair.
“Callie … I love … you.” Dexter’s halting words had Callie crying even harder.
She kissed him gently. “I love you too.”
Gunnar climbed further into the tent. “Dex, let’s check you out.”
“Can I stay?” Callie clutched Dexter’s hand in hers.
“Absolutely.” Gunnar nodded.
“Drew, can you help me get Cody secure in your tent?” Bjørn let go of Sadie, though everything in him wanted to hold her tight.
“Yeah.” Drew grabbed Cody’s legs and helped Bjørn carry the attempted murderer to Drew’s tent.
After making sure Cody couldn’t do anymore harm, Bjørn rushed to find Sadie. Lantern light filled the tent she shared with Callie, showing Sadie’s silhouette. He unzipped the door and ducked in.
Her hand shook as she cleaned a wound bleeding on her upper arm. His stomach dropped, and he clambered to her side. He took the alcohol wipe from her fingers and gently wrapped his hand around her arm.
“You’re hurt.” His rough voice gave away the emotion clogging his throat since he heard her scream.
“It’s just a scratch.” She laughed, but the way her body trembled wasn’t funny.
She was right. The wound wouldn’t need a bandage, but the thought of what that knife could’ve done had him huffing out a shaky breath. He finished cleaning it and kissed right above it. Then trailed kisses up to her shoulder and along her neck. She fisted her hand in his shirt, but her kiss on his lips was gentle.
“You okay?” he whispered against her mouth.
“Yeah.” She sighed, burying her face in his neck. “I’m just … I’m just so tired and sad. Why would anyone do that?”
“I don’t know.” He rubbed her back. “Come on, lie down so you can get some rest.”
Her grip tightened on his shirt, and her trembling doubled. “I can’t.”
He held her closer and lay on her sleeping bag. She pulled away just enough to look in his eyes. Hers were bright with tears, and her dark circles showed her exhaustion. He’d never seen anyone more beautiful.
“I love you, Sadie,” he whispered, not able to keep the words in.
A tear slipped past her lashes and trailed down her cheek. “I love you too.”
Heart soaring higher than he’d ever flown, he gave her a soft, lingering kiss. He might have a chopper busted beyond repair. They might be stranded on a rain-soaked island with a cold-hearted killer. But he’d never been happier than he was with Sadie Wilde in his arms.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Three days later, Sadie stared at the army helicopter as it flew Bjørn’s Annie into the Seward airport. Her heart broke for him as it thunked against the ground. When he’d told her he wasn’t even sure it was fixable, she’d wanted to cry for his loss. He had insurance, but whether it could be fixed or not, it still ended his first summer tourist season before it got fully off the ground.
She stayed back and watched as he worked with the soldiers sent from Fort Richardson to help transport the broken chopper. She loved the way he moved with efficiency, double-checking everything before he gave the go to release the bird. Him and his checklists.
She chuckled as she remembered him whispering that she blew all his checklists and procedures out of the air. She liked that thought. That she could shake the unshakeable Bjørn Rebel.
He waved as the helicopter took off, headed back to Anchorage. His smile as he walked to her held a sadness she wanted to kiss away. She slid her hands under his jacket and along his sides. His muscles flexed beneath his T-shirt at her touch.
He gently cupped her face and captured her lips in a kiss that held all his disappointment. She ran her hands up his back, pulling him closer. She wanted to ease his frustration but didn’t know how to. He growled and changed the angle of his kiss as he pushed his fingers through her hair.
His love flowed over her, threatening to drown her in hope. Muscles stopped working and bones turned to mush. She leaned in for him to hold her up.
The sound of a vehicle approaching pulled them apart. He smiled down at her, gave her another quick kiss, then glanced up at who had arrived. His eyes widened and he cringed.
“Busted.” He slid his hand down her arms to thread his fingers with hers.
She turned to see what he meant. Her dad climbed out of his truck, a scowl on his face. She groaned. Could he pick a worse time to show up?
“Sadie. Rebel.” Dad stepped up to them, surprising her by extending his hand to Bjørn.
Bjørn jerked but clasped Dad’s hand without hesitation. “Sir.”
Dad gestured toward the chopper. “You got her back.”
“Yeah.” Bjørn shook his head. “Not even sure if it’ll be worth fixing her. The insurance guys are coming tomorrow.”
“Well, I can’t wait for you to get back in the air.” Dad shoved his hands in his front pockets. “You’ve been a godsend to our team.”
Bjørn’s throat bobbed as he shook his head. “I’m just glad I can help.”
Sadie’s heart swelled with relief and love. Her dad extending the olive branch was a step forward. She slipped her arm around Bjørn’s back and leaned into his side.
“Dexter is healing well. They think he’ll be able to leave the hospital by the end of the week. Jim’s trying everything he can to get Cody out on bail, but doesn’t look like it’ll happen.” What was up with Dad? He wasn’t one for chitchat.
“That’s good.” Sadie crinkled her forehead at her dad’s odd behavior.
He sighed, then looked Bjørn straight in the eyes. “Listen, Bjørn, I’m sorry for acting like a jerk and jumping to conclusions about you. It wasn’t right, and I’m sorry. I am an overprotective bear when it comes to my daughters.”
Bjørn’s ribs expanded beneath Sadie’s hand as he took a deep breath. “Apology accepted. I’d be the same if I was a dad.”
The thought of Bjørn being a father, of holding their baby girl in his strong hands, was an image Sadie wanted to see. One she never thought would come true but seemed possible now. She peeked up at Bjørn as her dad continued.
“Listen, we’re having a family barbecue this afternoon. We’d like you to come with Sadie.”
Bjørn froze, like the invitation was a car and he was a caribou caught in the headlights. “Thank you, sir.”
“Bring that brother of yours too.” Dad reached his hand out to shake again, and Sadie parted from Bjørn. “But Rebel …”
“Yeah?”
“No making out with my daughter while I’m around.” Dad speared Bjørn with a look that had red climbing up his neck.
“I’ll try, sir.” Bjørn gave a strangled laugh and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Really?” Sadie rolled her eyes, stepped up to her dad, and gave him a hug. “Thanks, Dad.”
“No, Sadie, thank you for showing me I was wrong.” He gave her a squeeze and stepped back. “I’m proud of you.” He nodded, his eyes bright and glossy. “Really, really proud.”
Shoot. She sniffed and threw herself back in his arms. “I love you.”
“Love you, too, squirt.” He patted her back, then stepped back, swiping the back of his hand across his cheek. “I told your mom I’d be right back to help. Shindig starts at two.”
Bjørn slung his arm over her shoulder as her dad walked back to his truck and drove away. “Well, that was unexpected.”
“Yeah.” She sighed. “It was.”
She leaned into Bjørn, placing her hand over his heart. It pounded steadily against her palm, calling her to him. This unwavering Rebel beside her was a beacon guiding her home. She closed her eyes and let the peace and happiness flood her.
