Broken Souls ... by Annay Dawson
Chapter 29
The terrain was rough. Matt and Warren knew that this trail should never be hiked in the late fall and winter. The leaves covered parts of the trail obscuring it from view and in other places making it quite dangerous, slick and unstable. Their progress along the trail had been slow but the dogs had picked up Parker's sent. Matt had been a hiker for years and when Captain Holmes had told them that Scout, his dog, and Warren and his dog Speed were to go down this trail he had been a bit leery. First of all they had been out here searching the first time and there had been no indication that they should go along this trail. Secondly the trail had been closed off for at least two weeks now. Lastly, the dogs didn't usually miss a scent. It happened if the scents in an area were overlapping a lot, but they hadn't thought that this was the case.
It was when Captain Holmes had pulled Matt aside and told him the other reason that he had taken this seriously. Holmes was afraid that their only, and best lead, was going to vanish into thin air if he wasn't careful. Matt had met Parker once just briefly. He seemed like an alright guy. Took good care of his sister and her kid he had heard. Award winning journalist. He didn't seem like the love 'em and kill 'em type, but who knew these days.
As it was Scout was given Parker's scent and Speed was given Kari's scent. Speed was picking up something but he could tell it was fainter than the scent Scout was getting. They were just about ten minutes from the dangerous part of the trail when the dogs started to make some noise.
Stopping they looked up the path to see if they could tell what the dogs were seeing, and sure enough there was something moving along the path towards them. As it came more into view it was a sight to see. A silver emergency blanket was tied as a sling around Parker and inside of it was the woman they were looking for. Parker looked tired and his shoulders were being pulled down by the extra weight he was carrying, had been carrying for a while it looked like. He wasn't moving fast but he was moving at a steady pace. When he finally saw them he raised his free hand and waved, the other hand was protecting Kari and stabilizing her. Right now he couldn't tell how bad she was hurt all he did know was that Parker looked like he was hurting. Dropping the lead to Scout he rushed up and tried to help Parker.
"I'm Matt," was all he said as he approached them, "part of the search and rescue team. Let me help you."
"No," was all Matt heard from the woman nestled inside the sling. Parker stopped and looked down at her.
"It's okay Kari, they are here to help us," his voice was smooth and didn't betray how tired he really was.
"No!" it came out more forceful this time as she fisted his jacket in her fingers making it nearly impossible to get her loose. Parker looked up at Matt. If he could have shrugged his shoulders he would have.
"How bad is she hurt?" Matt asked as he waited to see if her fingers would loosen.
"Concussion, broken leg, bruised, dehydrated, some hyperthermia, and some confusion as a result of all of it," Matt watched and listened as Parker listed off her injuries in a matter of fact manor all the while stroking her hair. Matt was thinking less and less killer material and more and more companion material.
"Holden, don't let me go," and if it was possible her grip got tighter, "I don't want to lose you again."
"It's okay Kari," Parker looked over at Matt and the other man. "I'll carry her out. I'll be okay, but when you get a cell or radio signal we need to have a medical team there for her."
"On it," and Warren took off with his dog back down the path. Matt grabbed the small bag that Holden was carrying and they silently continued down the path. Kari's hands loosened a bit and as she swung gently too and fro with the motion. She began to work her one hand up and into Holden's jacket.
"I liked it better when your shirt was off," her voice was weak but loud enough for Matt to hear as well. "Ah, there you are. My darling Holden," she paused but for only a second, "My hunky, hot, hard Holden," Holden could hear Matt stifle a chuckle, and if she wasn't hurt Holden might have laughed as well.
By the time they had made it halfway back Holden was sweating so bad that he had unzipped what he could of his jacket. Not all of the sweating was from the exertion though. Kari had been making the occasional comments, chanting little ditties on the way, Matt had been the gentleman and not said anything when Kari had tried to move her hand south of his belt. Holden was thankful that the way he had been carrying her blocked the path.
As they reached the edge of the clearing Holden could see the medical rescue team waiting with a stretcher cage, two actually, to take them the rest of the way. They weren't the only ones there. Captain Holmes was also standing by. Holden figured the only reason he didn't see many more people was that Holmes had ordered them to stay back.
The medics came rushing up with the cage and box of supplies dropping it before him. He so wanted to put Kari into it and let her take the rest of the ride in comfort but he knew it would be a struggle. One of the medics grabbed her free hand and started in with a pulse as another one did the same for him.
"Holden, Holden?" the panic was back in her voice.
"Don't worry the docs are here to take care of us," Matt helped Holden to the ground with Kari still in his lap as she stilled and let them take her pulse and blood pressure. Holden hadn't realized just how tired he was. Matt gave him the bottle of water again and he drank. Another medic was uniting the sling and getting ready to move her. Without warning they lifted her up and placed her in the stretcher. All at once Holden was lighter but felt strangely empty. Another medic was talking to him but all he could hear was Kari.
"Holden? Holden? Where's my darling, hunky, hot, hard Holden?"
"Here," it didn't bother or embarrass him but he wasn't too sure she was going to want to remember this; almost hoped she wouldn't. When he looked over at her he could tell that her eyes were open now.
"I'm cold, come hold me," the medics were busy wrapping her up. They had already started the IV. Soon they would be back in the real world and there would be questions and answers that had to be given.
"I can't, but I can hold your hand if you want me to," he looked at the guy who had been trying to talk to him and noticed that he also had an IV already in his arm.
"But then I can't feel your strong arms and how hard your chest is and I can't touch..."
"It will be okay now Kari. When we get back to your apartment we can have a nice long talk," the medic choked back a laugh, but his smile said it all, "and I will hold you for as long as you want." Holden interrupted her before she could say what he thought she was going to say. It was one thing that Matt had heard her rambles all the way back, but he was only one person. This would be far more embarrassing for her.
"Okay Holden my darling," and for the first time Holden allowed himself to believe that Kari might actually feel the same things for him as he did for her. He looked around and noticed that Matt was off to the side with Captain Holmes. Holden was not looking forward to that conversation at all.
"Captain," Matt started out but stopped for Holmes to hear what Kari was saying, "She's, well," he blushed a bit, "been like this and far more active should I say all the way back. In my opinion whatever happened had nothing to do with Parker. At least not in criminal sense," they were interrupted again when she started talking about her darling Den again. Holmes had to smile. He still had to get to the bottom of what happened but at least it didn't look like anyone was going to jail.
Holmes watched as Parker, even tired and worn out, got up and moved to hold Kari's hand. It was time to get back down to the lot and get them on the way to the hospital. He could and would question them both, but that would be later, much later.
The last thing Holden wanted to do was walk the rest of the way but he wasn't going to let go of Kari's hand. The medic had offered to get him into the other stretcher and he had refused. As they walked the last bit back to the parking lot Holden noticed that it really wasn't easier. He wanted Kari in his arms as much as she wanted to be there, but before anything could happen there needed to be a long conversation.
Addy caught sight of Holden and the cage and the other medics and went running. Pushing through the line she stopped just short of bowling him down. Looking at Kari and the matching IV's her look of relief turned to concern.
"It's going to be okay now Addy," and Holden smiled, "It really is. It's only a precaution for me."
It was mid-afternoon by the time that Holden got released from the hospital and Addy was right there waiting for him along with Captain Holmes. Holden's smile faded as he walked toward them. Up until now he had been able to avoid the good lawman, but not anymore.
"Good to see you Captain Holmes," he said as he hugged his sister. "Where's Me-Me?"
"She's still with Daniel and his family and loving the extended stay now," Addy held on to his arm a little too long.
"Mr. Parker I am so thankful for your help. If it hadn't been for you we may have been too late," he paused for a moment to let what he said settle in. In that moment Holden was waiting for the other shoe to drop.
"I am glad I could find her," he said in response.
"I have had a few minutes to talk with Matt, the man who met you on the path, and had just a few moments with Kari before she fell asleep again," the pauses were driving Holden crazy, "From what I have learned you had no part in her disappearance or accident except for a badly timed argument." Holden's reaction was delayed. Then he thought about the argument. He had been upset, so had she. She must have left early that morning for a hike. It didn't make him feel any better about what had happened.
"How is she doing?" Holden was quiet. Addy unconsciously rubbed his arm.
"She's doing good. They want to keep her here for a couple of days for observation but they aren't expecting any complications," and he smiled, "Part of the thanks for that belongs to you." Jordan walked up behind them with a tray of coffees.
"Well hello man of the hour. They said you would be getting out," she handed a coffee to her Dad, and then one to Addy, "I brought you one as well if you feel up to it."
"I'd love it, thanks," he took the cup and slowly took a sip as Jordan continued to talk.
"Dad I think it is time we let these good folk have some time to themselves," Holden wasn't surprised that her disposition was just as sunny as ever, "They said I can see her tomorrow, but I think if you ask real nice they would let you in," and she smiled at Holden. He wondered how much she had heard about what had gone on and what Kari had said.
"I'll think about it."
"Don't think too hard," she cautioned. Holden watched as they walked away.
"So?" Addy's voice rang in his ear once Jordan and Captain Holmes were out of earshot.
"So what?"
"Are you going to go and see her before we leave?" he didn't dare turn so that Addy could see into his eyes.
"Maybe I should give her a day to recover first," and he took another sip of coffee.
"And maybe I should slap you upside the head and knock some sense into you," at that he turned, surprised, and looked straight at her. "Yes, I heard most of what went on so I know that she is head over heals for you and don't you go making the excuse that she didn't know what she was saying. She knew enough to call you by name."
"But," and that was all he got to say.
"No buts. They told me that you could go into her room at anytime. She's been asking for you, although I guess not in such colorful ways as she did on the trail," she held up her hand to keep him from talking, "Don't worry it's not the talk of the town, just a few select people. Now, stop talking to me, I have a daughter to collect, and you have Kari to talk to. Your truck is in the lot. Here are the keys. You are cleared to drive. Don't be a drip," and Holden chuckled and smiled. Since she taught she tried to keep her language as clean as possible.
"Yes ma'am," Addy put his keys in his hand and turned to leave, "Say hi to Me-Me for me," and he smiled.
Slowly and quietly he pushed open the door to the private room. The first thing he saw was a small and fragile woman laying in the bed hooked up to IV's and monitors. She may be small but he knew that she wasn't fragile. The room was darkened and her eyes were closed. She seemed to be sleeping as he watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest. Quietly he sat down ready to wait nervously for as long as it took for her to wake up.
"I'm glad you're here," her voice broke the silence almost making him jump. It was soft and much more sure of itself than he had heard just a few hours ago.
"Yah, so am I," he stood up and walked over to the bedside. Taking her hand he continued, "I couldn't just leave."
"You look good," she was staring up at him. Her eyes now clear. He wondered how much she remembered, "Thank you for coming to get me," and she blushed a bit, "I remember some of what happened and what I said." Now it was his turn to blush.
"It's okay, we can talk about all of it later," he wanted to smooth that one stray strand of hair back into place, but he was afraid to do it. He had been nervous just taking her hand.
"I want to talk about it now," and her hand tightened around his as if she was afraid he would run away. Trying not to look directly into her eyes, knowing that his feelings for her would be so easy for her to read there, he looked at their hands instead.
"Shouldn't we wait..." Holden felt her hand tighten.
"No, I know that I was pretty out of it up there but I do remember being pretty clear headed about how I felt about you," she shushed him when he tried to talk. "I was the one that tried to hold you at arms length when I should have grabbed hold of you for dear-life when you offered it. I know that you travel, a lot," Holden tried to interrupt and she shushed him again, "I want to fix things between us. I'm ready for all the next steps and all the stuff that comes with it if you are willing to try again with me." Holden's attention had jumped back to her face as she had talked, but he didn't know what to say. For a moment he just stood there and stared at her. Then he did what he had been wanting to do, he kissed her, softly, taking his time at first and then deepening it never letting go of her hand. He pulled back slowly and as he did he gently moved the strand of hair from her face.
"I think it sounds like a wonderful journey and I would be privileged to spend it with you," he then smiled crookedly, "I have to tell you though that I just took an assignment that will last for at least two years," he could see the fear grow in her eyes. She thought she had already lost him, "I'll be traveling to the Baltimore area a few times a month, maybe a few other places in the US as well." He watched her release her breath and begin to smile, "but I'll be back nearly every night to hold you and keep you warm," and this time as his smile grew it was positively wicked, "just like you like."
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