Chapter Seven

It was MIDMORNING WHEN Chance pulled up to Taylor’s residence. She let Midas and Zeus out of the Suburban. Taylor had texted her that they were home and she could stop by when she got the opportunity. The front door opened, and Taylor greeted Midas with a vigorous scratch along his sides, then greeted Zeus as well.

“Thanks for bringing him by. Penny’s settled in on the couch. She’s really grouchy, because I wouldn’t let her go to work today.”

“Well, her boss is here now. Don’t worry, I’m ordering her off for the rest of the week and more if she needs it.”

Taylor sighed and ran her hands through her hair. “I appreciate that. I love that woman, but she’s stubborn as a mule. The doctor said she and the baby are fine. She wants Penny to take it easy for the next few days, and I’m determined that she will do as the doctor ordered if it kills me.”

“Let’s keep it from going that far. I brought peppermint tea, that should help soothe the savage beast.”

Chance followed Taylor through her former home. It occurred to her that it truly had become that, a home. When she’d lived there, it was a house. Now, Taylor and Penny were starting their family, expecting a little one to grow up under the roof she’d built. That fact made Chance happy, and she was glad she’d offered the place to her friends.

Penny sat with her feet up and a blanket across her lap in the living room. “I see she brought reinforcements.” She kissed the top of Midas’ head as he sat at her side. “Okay, out with it. I’m sure you’re here to issue some directive. Let’s have it so I can argue my point.”

Chance smiled and shook her head. “You are a stubborn cuss. There will be no argument, because I’m your boss, at least in name. The office will be fine for a few days. I can handle it. Anything in dire need of attention, I can send to your laptop, which I brought with me. Take it easy and let things settle down. If not for your nerves, for Taylor’s. Tomorrow is Friday, and you’d be off the weekend anyway. Taylor and I are going to work on the schedule. Carl’s handling court today for overtime. I’m going to handle the afternoon shift, and Randy has the midnight turn. Taylor will handle court tomorrow. I promise we have it all worked out. We’ll make do, and you will rest. That’s an order from your boss. I brought you a peppermint tea and a bag of doughnut holes as a peace offering. I have some paperwork with me from the magistrate’s office for you to fill out to get the ball rolling on the more severe of the charges against Brad.”

“With pleasure. I hate that this is how his career is coming to an end.” Penny picked up the pen and began filling in the boxes Chance had made marks beside.

Taylor handed Chance a cup of coffee. “The jackass should have retired when he lost the election, not come begging to you for a job.”

“True, but I take responsibility for giving him the job. Penny, document everything that happened in as much detail as you can. He made bail late last night and didn’t have to go to Huttonsville. Carl said he cussed me the whole time. Our case is ironclad with the video evidence. I know he’ll sue, and we’ll go through the process. He won’t be back. You can rest assured of that.”

“It won’t bother me not seeing his face every day. I can tell you that. Here you go. Do I need to come to the magistrate’s office, or will this do?”

Chance folded the papers and put them in her shirt pocket. “This will be fine. I know what will happen. I’m going to try and recommend a special prosecutor on this to avoid any conflict of interest. When this goes to trial, Larry would likely try to plead this down to a misdemeanor. I want more than a little slap on the wrist. The big fight will be when he goes after us for wrongful termination. I’m ready for that one too. Now, I want you to rest and not worry about anything. Do not pick up that laptop unless I call with something I can’t fix. Watch TV or read, but please take it easy. Taylor and I are going to the kitchen to work on this schedule.”

“I’m doing this under protest, just so you know.”

“Noted. Taylor, let’s get cracking.”

 

***

 

Around one o’clock, they had the next two weeks on a schedule. Each officer was working at least sixteen hours overtime, with Chance filling in as well. She was going to call over to Randolph and Preston counties to see if some of their deputies could provide relief on their off days. She’d made calls to several of the regulatory agencies and determined what she’d need to do in order to have them work outside of their normal jurisdictions. She had a temporary solution until Daniel could get out of the academy. His K9 training would have to wait. She would shift him into court duty until they could get another officer hired. Circumstances being what they were, she could put in for hardship rule and hire out of order with a candidate who was already a certified officer.

“A temporary relief officer won’t have a K9 backup.” Taylor pointed out the deviation from their norms.

“Not true, one of them owns his own K9. We’ll overlap as much as possible, and we’ll coordinate with Harley to ensure county coverage no matter who we choose. I’ll back up officers as needed. I’ll do split shifts for a while to ensure we have backup for our people.” Chance highlighted her days on the schedule.

Taylor shook her head. “You’re going to get fatigued trying to keep up.”

“I’ll rest as I have to. The good part about being the boss is I can set my schedule. Jax will be fine with it as long as we see each other once a day. Kelly is the one who’s going to be miffed. Jax will have to alternate the horses for rides, and I’ll get Dee to help. Honestly Taylor, we’ll make it work until we get back up to full staff. Right now, it’s the best we can do.”

“I won’t argue except to say I’ll take call as well. You can’t do that all by yourself. You go out at dark, so do I, or no deal.”

“Taylor, I know you’re my chief deputy, and I respect your opinion. Penny needs you at home for a while. She won’t tell any of us, but I know this has shaken her up. She needs to feel secure, and that means you being home. I’m going to head over to see Mags. I’ll call you later.” Chance got up and grabbed a copy of the schedule to post.

“Chance, I know I’ve said it before, but it’s a pleasure working for someone like you.”

Chance and Zeus headed for the door. “That works both ways, my friend. Go spend some time with your wife.”

 

***

 

Fifteen minutes later, Chance stopped in at the real-estate office. Maggie came out from behind her desk with a hug. She led Chance to the break room and put a sandwich in front of her. “Rumor has it, your department is a deputy short. Want to talk about it?”

Chance sighed as Dee joined them. “Not really. I’m dealing with things but need a little help. I’m going to be working some odd shifts and need a little help with the horses. Think you guys would be up for some evening rides with Jax for a while?”

Dee held up her hand. “I’m game. I have a few things on my schedule with ball practices. Otherwise, I’m good for it.”

“Thanks, Momma D. Jax has a full schedule making it nearly impossible to exercise all three horses without me.”

“I understand that, too. I’m down an assistant coach for the girls.” Dee looked at Chance with understanding eyes. “Before you say anything, Theresa knows this isn’t your fault. She’s taking some time off. She’s asked the school for a leave of absence. Fortunately, we’re in the off-season, so it’s only practice that’s currently affected. She told me what happened with Faith at the hospital.”

Maggie sat back in her chair and motioned for Chance to eat. “Faith called me that night. She’s a mess. To be honest, I don’t know what to do for her at all. She’s headed down a road that’ll only lead her to more heartbreak. I haven’t been able to get through to her.”

Chance shook her head as she chewed and swallowed. “I can tell you this, nothing she does will change the fact I intend to marry Jax. I need to call Sarah, but it’s been nuts today, trying to deal with the schedule and Brad’s arrest. Faith stopped in my office not too long ago and I nearly had to throw her out. She was hardheaded when we were together, now she’s pure obstinance. Sarah’s on my side, and I hate that it’s going to cause an even bigger rift between them. Faith doesn’t want to take no for an answer. It burns my ass that she acts like I have no choice in this.”

Dee squeezed Chance’s neck. “Think Sarah can talk any sense into her?”

“Doubtful. Faith takes nothing Sarah says to heart. If it wasn’t for Daniel, I doubt they would have much at all to talk about. It’s the one link they have since their parents passed.”

Maggie took a drink of her coffee, then set the mug down. “This isn’t your fault, Chance. Faith let you go a long time ago. Apparently, she thought you’d wait around. She’s seen you with others over the years, after you separated. The one that’s getting the worst of this is Theresa. She certainly doesn’t deserve this.”

Chance finished the sandwich and drank the last of the glass of water she’d been given. She rose out of the chair and put her hat on. “I’ve got to get back at it. Tell Kendra I’ll try to catch her before she goes back to school. Maybe dinner tomorrow? I know she’ll be home for Leaf Peepers. Have you guys come to an agreement about the sleeping arrangements?”

Dee held up a hand. “Oh, don’t go there. The discussions are ongoing. That one over there has taken the protective, mother bear position.” Dee laughed, then covered it with a cough before reaching down and scratching Zeus’ side.

Maggie crossed her arms. “I can’t help being protective. I have a right to be. I’ve never met this girl. I’ve got more than one bedroom available. My mind is made up that they’ll stay in separate rooms.”

“Yeah and sneak in to visit after you’ve gone to sleep.” Chance couldn’t hold her laughter, knowing how many times over the years she’d done the same.

Maggie pointed at Chance. “I know what you’re thinking, Chance Raylynn. I know what you did years ago, and it might happen next weekend too. I don’t have to give my approval.”

Chance stood and stretched as Zeus made his way to the door. “I get it, Mom. Don’t get your dander up. I have no doubt you’re going to like Brandi. You have nothing to worry about, but I’ll let you judge for yourself. I need to head out. I got a text from Sarah. She’s working today and asked me to stop by. Maybe we can come up with something together.”

Maggie came around the table and hugged her. “Be careful out there. I know you’re running short. The bad guys know what’s going on too. Don’t take any chances. You have people depending on you.”

“You got it. I’ll call you later. Thanks, you two, I wouldn’t know what to do without you. Thanks for the sandwich. Let’s go, Zeus.”

“That’s what parents do, no matter how old their kids are. Go, we’ve got you covered with the horses and anything else Jax needs. Call if you think of something else.” Maggie kissed her cheek.

Chance tipped her hat and headed out the door. She’d barely made it inside her cruiser when she received a radio call.

“Comm Center to SD-1.”

“This is SD-1. Go ahead with your traffic.”

“State Police Unit 206 requests you meet him at Valley View Road in Timberline. Missing juveniles.”

She pointed the Suburban in the direction of Timberline. She was ten minutes out from where Quade wanted to meet her. “Do you have any more information?”

“Two twelve-year-old males, last seen near the Valley View trail over two hours ago. Parents have been looking and calling for them since discovering they were missing. One is in a blue hoodie and jeans. The other has a black jacket and jeans. Neither is from the area. One is diabetic. It’s unknown whether they took any provisions.”

“SD-1 received. Go ahead and notify Canaan Valley Fire Department and the Saddleback rescue unit. With a two-hour head start, we need to locate those kids ASAP. Break. SD-1 to 206.”

“This is 206. Go ahead.”

“How close did the boys enter the woods in relation to the trail parking area?”

“Chance, from what I can tell, they went in about a quarter-mile from the rental house. The parents haven’t seen or heard anything from them.”

“Does either boy have a cellphone?”

“Negative. I thought of that too. No luck there. I’m going to drive Valley View with my siren on and see if I can give them a target to head for. I heard you called the horses in. Hopefully, we can get them in here quickly.”

“Received. I’m on my way, 206.” Chance’s cellphone rang and she answered without looking at the caller ID. “Sheriff Fitzsimmons.”

“Chance, it’s Taylor. I’m headed to your place to load the horses. Jax is on her way to meet me. We’ll load up your two, then I’ll get Sabrina. I’ll make contact with Matt Carson. Anything else you want?”

“Yes, contact Pete Doran out at the Rubenstein Center. See if he and his search dog can head our way. Let’s set up a command post at the trail parking area.”

“You got it. See you there.” Taylor hung up.

Chance grabbed her radio. “SD-1 to Company 30.”

“This is Company 30. Go ahead, Sheriff.”

“Ike, can you run the scene? As soon as my horse gets here, I’m going to head out on the trail.”

“I’ll take command. We’re leaving the station in five.”

Ten minutes later, Chance pulled near Quade’s cruiser and stepped out beside a frantic couple. “I’m Sheriff Fitzsimmons. What can you tell me about the boys?”

A man who looked in his late thirties stepped forward. “We rented a cabin on Valley View. The boys were playing in the back yard, and I went inside to take a phone call. When I came back out, the boys were gone. I tried to find them myself, then came back and got my wife. We’ve been calling for them nonstop until I made the call to 9-1-1.”

“What are the boys’ names?” Chance pulled her notebook out.

“They’re twins, Laken and Brayden. Laken is diabetic and takes insulin shots twice a day. He ate lunch, and we normally would have checked his blood sugar by now. We do that about every three hours. We’re well past that.”

“Okay, what’s your name?” Chance made notes.

“I’m Joseph Clarkson, and this is my wife, Eve. We’re vacationing from Columbus, Ohio.”

“Please, Sheriff, we need to find them. Laken could easily slip into a diabetic coma. He didn’t take his kit with him.” Eve trembled as she wrapped her arms around herself.

Chance stepped up beside Joseph. “We’re going to do everything we can to find them. Would the boys stay together?”

Joseph pulled his wife close. “Without a doubt. When you find one, you’ll find the other stuck right to him. They’re inseparable. Laken is actually the more adventurous of the two. Brayden will follow his brother to the gates of hell and back, but he won’t lead him there.”

Chance asked several more questions about the boys’ heights and weights. “Okay. Do you have anything of the boys with you? I’m hoping one of the dogs might be able to get a scent trail.”

“No, we took off walking, trying to find them.” Joseph shook his head, still holding his wife close.

“Then here’s what I need you to do. Go back to the house and get Laken’s insulin and something the boys have worn recently. Our medics will have medication with them, but you’ve been dealing with his condition his whole life. Once we find him, we can make sure he quickly gets the attention he’ll need. We’re going to set up a command post here in the parking lot. When you get back, stay here. This is where we’ll bring them when we find them.”

Joseph tried to protest. “I want to go out and search with you.”

Chance put a hand on his shoulder. “I know that’s what you want to do. The problem is, you aren’t a trained searcher. I’m going to be on horseback. The safest and most helpful place for you is to be in the command post if we have questions. I know it’s hard, I do. We’ve handled hundreds of these searches. You have to trust us.” Chance turned at the sound of a siren, as the rescue truck showed up along with a Sheriff’s Department truck pulling a horse trailer.

She coordinated with Quade and Ike, as Taylor unloaded Kelly and Sabrina. Chance joined them and put an arm around Jax who stood holding Mac’s reins. “Thanks for coming. Hopefully, we can find the kids before it gets dark. We only have a couple of hours before dusk sets in. We’ve got to get moving. I’m going to take Jax and head north. We’ll work off tactical channel two. Ike are you okay with all that?”

Joseph ran up to them with the boy’s pajamas. “Here, they wore these last night.”

“Excellent.” Chance looked up to see Pete walking into the scene with Booney, a loveable bloodhound. “Just in time, Pete. Were you already close?”

The man with salt and pepper hair stood beside a tall Appaloosa and held a very long leash. “We were doing some training over at the ski lodge.”

Chance filled him in on the call and handed him the garments. Pete bent and let Booney smell the pajamas.

Taylor stepped into the stirrup and threw her leg over Sabrina. “I’ll head opposite of whichever way you guys go, Chance, just to cover all the bases. Get moving.”

Jax handed Chance Kelly’s reins. “I’m right behind you.”

Booney put his nose to the ground at the track command, and he and Pete took off north, with Chance and Jax following along the Valley View trail, one horse directly behind the other.

Ten minutes later, Taylor came up on the radio. “Anything?”

Chance keyed her mic. “They were out here a long time before the parents discovered they were missing. No telling how far they got.”

Small huckleberry bushes dotted the grassy areas and the horses were forced to navigate around thick laurel patches that snaked out into their path all along the trail. Eventually, they made it to the ridge and the rocky vistas of Dolly Sods.

Booney smelled the ground all around and looked up at Pete. “It’s okay, boy. We’ll find them.”

Chance stopped and cupped her hands around her mouth to yell. “Brayden! Laken!” She stopped to listen for any noise that might indicate the boys. She tried again with no result. “Two boys that age could get pretty far. I’m hoping they didn’t make it to the cliffs.”

Pete rubbed his neck. “Boys tend to push each other when it comes to outdoing the other. Laken is the one that’s diabetic, right?”

Chance nodded. “Yeah. His mom said he doesn’t have anything with him. He’ll be burning a lot of energy in this kind of terrain. I threw an orange juice and some glucose tablets in my pack.” She turned to Jax. “I assume you have your jump kit?”

Jax patted her saddlebag. “I do, but we don’t carry insulin. That’s the worst-case scenario. I have a glucometer, so we’ll be able to check his blood sugar right away. Then we can get him to his mom with the insulin if that’s the issue. Come on, let’s keep going.”

They traveled farther up the trail, stopping to call for the boys frequently. Chance looked at her watch, concerned about the late hour. If they didn’t find the boys soon, there was a possibility they’d be spending the night out in the elements. Without provisions, Laken could lapse into a life-threatening coma. Chance stopped when she saw Kelly twitch her ears and nicker. “What is it, girl?” Chance twisted in her saddle. “Laken! Brayden! Can you hear us?” Booney cut off the trail and down toward the rocks and the cliff faces. “I don’t like where this is leading.” Zeus pranced beside them.

Jax looked concerned. “You don’t think the boys would try to climb down the face, do you?”

Chance shrugged. “With boys, it’s hard to say. I wouldn’t put it past them.”

Pete shifted in his saddle. “I hope we find them before they get into too much trouble.”

Booney took off in the direction of the cliffs, and Chance nudged Kelly to follow until they reached a point where the horses were no longer able to travel. Pete, Chance, and Jax dismounted and secured the horses and grabbed equipment that might be needed. They yelled the boys’ names again before stopping to listen intently. Booney howled in front of them as Zeus raised his nose in the air.

Jax adjusted her pack. “Let’s hope the way he’s carrying on means they’re close.”

Pete took off at a run, with Booney’s long leash in his hand, Chance and Jax close behind. They followed the distinctive bay until they found him standing on top of a large granite stone looking down. Chance leaned over and saw the boys huddled together on a rocky outcropping. “Brayden? Laken?” She watched one of them look up and raise his arms. “You two sit tight. We’re coming down to you.” She turned to Jax. I’m going to start working on a way down to them. Get on the radio and let command know our location.” She handed Jax a GPS unit.

“Chance, it should be me that goes over the hill. I can start an IV. You and Pete need to set up the haul and direct operations from up here.” Jax began tying a simple harness out of a piece of webbing.

“I don’t like it, but you can render more medical assistance than I can.” Chance went to look for an anchor while Jax called in their coordinates.

Chance ran back and checked Jax’s seat harness knots and attachment points. “Okay, let’s get you over the side. That webbing is going to hurt if you have to hang very long. Luckily, they’re only about thirty feet down. You ready to rappel?”

“Let’s go. We’re burning daylight, and we don’t know what condition Laken is in.” Jax connected to the rope and Chance checked every knot and connection again.

“Your riding helmet will help protect you in case anything falls from the top. I’m going to warn the boys to cover their heads. Be careful. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now let’s get me down to the boys.”

“Your wish is my command.” Chance leaned over the edge and yelled to the boys. “I’m sending someone down. Cover your head with your hands, and don’t look up.” She turned back to Jax. “Okay, baby, over the side with you.”

 

***

 

Jax stepped back and leaned into the makeshift harness and walked her feet down the steep wall. She could see where the boys had disturbed the ground on the side as she made her way down to them. Jax called out her distance to keep Chance apprised. “Twenty feet. Fifteen feet, five feet. I’m with them. Off rope.” Jax unclipped and knelt by the boys. Brayden was talking a mile a minute, but Laken was still. She grabbed his wrist. His pulse was thready and his breathing faint. “Brayden, has Laken eaten anything recently?”

“No, we didn’t plan to be out this long. He needs to eat.” The small boy shuffled closer to his brother.

“I’m going to check his sugar, then I’ll get something to help him, okay?” Jax wanted to reassure Brayden that she was going to try and make Laken better.

“Laken wanted to keep going, but I couldn’t tell where we were. He saw this place from up there, and I couldn’t stop him.”

“We won’t worry about all that right now. I’m going to check Laken’s sugar and see if we can bring him around. Are you hurt anywhere?” Jax looked him over and could see mud on the sleeve of his sweatshirt.

“I slid down part of the way. I think I cut my elbow, but I’m okay. Help Laken.”

“I’m going to do just that, buddy. How about you hold his hand while I stick his finger? You’ve seen him do this, right?”

The boy nodded as Jax lanced his brother’s finger and let a drop of blood soak into the test strip. She pushed the strip into the small, handheld monitor. She waited for a few minutes for the digital reading to appear. Dammit, thirty is way too low.

Brayden’s eyes grew wide. “That’s really low. He needs sugar.”

“Yes, he does, and I can do that. I’ll need your help, but I need to let my partner up top know what’s happening, okay?” She watched the boy nod. “Okay, you tear open this plastic bag.” She handed him the bag of dextrose, while she called for Chance using her Saddleback unit number. “SB-17 to SD-1.”

“Go ahead, Jax.”

Jax could hear both Zeus and Booney barking and howling in the background. “Both boys appear mostly uninjured. Laken’s sugar is thirty. I’m going to start a line and follow the diabetic protocol. There’s no way to climb back up out of here, so we’ll have to use a stretcher for Laken. I’m guessing I can put a harness on Brayden and clip him to me, then have you haul us.”

“Okay. The rescue group is on their way to us with equipment. I’ve got an ambulance standing by at the trail parking area. Do you need anything else down there?”

“A couple of real harnesses and the basket should do it. I’m going to get this line started.”

“Copy.”

Jax opened the tubing and pushed the bulb into the connector. She rolled the small wheel to allow fluid to come out of the tube. “Laken, can you hear me? I’m going to start an IV on you. You’re going to feel a stick.”

Jax pulled a needle from the plastic packaging and put a tourniquet around Laken’s arm. The boy still wasn’t responding to her voice but winced when she slid the catheter into his arm. She immediately saw the telltale signs of blood flashback. She connected the tubing and let the fluid run wide open to get the solution into his system as soon as possible. She could hear the radio traffic of the crews coordinating to bring in the necessary equipment.

“You guys didn’t fall or anything, did you?” She looked over Brayden and ran her hands over Laken’s extremities to determine if he had any injuries.

Blond hair fell into Brayden’s eyes and he pushed it to the side. “No, we slid down here and tried to climb back up. Laken started saying he was tired, so we sat down. I thought about trying to get back out to find help. I didn’t want to leave him. I was afraid he’d roll around and fall off.”

“You did the right thing staying with him. He’ll feel better in a little while, and we’ll get you both back to your mom and dad soon.”

“We’re going to be in big trouble, aren’t we?”

Jax smiled at him. “I think we’ll worry about that later. Your mom and dad are very worried about you. I think they’ll be glad to know you’re okay.” She wrapped a blood pressure cuff around Laken’s arm and assessed his vitals. Everything was looking good. Half the bag of fluid ran into his arm before the boy began to flutter his eyelids and look around. Jax could see his confusion and spoke in quiet tones to assure him he was all right.

“Laken, you’re awake!” Brayden squeezed his brother’s hand.

The boy rubbed his eyes. “Where am I?”

“Hi, I’m Jax. Unfortunately, you’re over a hill in Dolly Sods. My friends are on their way with some equipment to help us get back up. You let your sugar get really low, and you passed out. Your brother’s been doing a great job of watching over you. I started an IV, and I’ve given you some medicine to help bring your sugar back up. How are you feeling now?”

Laken rolled his head and rubbed his eyes. “Tired, really tired, and a little sick to my stomach.”

“That’s to be expected. You’ll start to feel better after all this runs in. Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I don’t think so.”

The radio drew her attention with a direct request for a situational update. “SD-1 to SB-17, how are things down there?”

Jax filled Chance in on Laken’s progress and was given a twenty-minute ETA for the rest of the rescue party. She turned her attention back to the boys.

“Let’s check your sugar again. Brayden, can you get me the box of test strips?” Jax wanted to keep both boys engaged and not thinking about being in trouble or moving around. After repeating the glucometer test, Laken’s sugar was up to eighty. Still lower than she’d like, but closer to stable. “Let’s get another bag of fluid ready to go while we wait for my friends to come and help us out of here.” She watched the sun start to drop below the horizon. She was sure the crew would be bringing lights with them to illuminate the scene. She flexed a glow stick, releasing the chemicals to give her some light. She heard Zeus bark excitedly. “I’m betting that’s our ride out of here. You guys sit tight for a minute, okay?”

Both boys nodded as Jax got to her feet and dusted her hands off on her pants.

“SD-1 to SB-17.”

Jax clicked her radio. “Go ahead, Chance.”

“Want some company down there?”

“Always. If you stay to the left of where I went over, you’ll come down right beside me.”

Within minutes, Chance stood on the ledge with her and unclipped the basket Laken would ride in up to the top.

Chance introduced herself. “Hey guys, my name is Sheriff Chance, and we’re going to get you out of here now. Okay with you?”

A tear slipped out of Brayden’s eye. “Please, I want to go home.”

“That’s what we’re going to do. Come over here, so I can put this harness on you. Jax, here’s yours.”

Jax was grateful. She’d barely felt her legs when she’d used the webbing harness to come down to the boys. One-inch webbing wasn’t comfortable and cut off circulation quickly. She slipped into the harness and helped Brayden do the same, then helped package Laken in the basket for transport.

“I’m going to take Laken up and let you bring Brayden, okay?” Chance relayed more of the plan on how they would be hoisted.

“We’re good with that, right Brayden?” Jax put a hand on his shoulder.

“Yup, I’ll do whatever you tell me to.” Brayden wiped his face and let Jax check the fastening points on his harness.

They watched Chance keep her body between the rock face and the rescue basket on their ascent. Once the basket had cleared the top of the rocks, the ropes were dropped back down.

“Okay, buddy. Our turn to get out of here. You ready?”

Brayden nodded enthusiastically. “Like, yesterday.”

Jax laughed and spoke into her radio. “On rope.” She felt all the slack leave, and the rope took their weight. “You relax and enjoy the ride. Put your hands right here.” She placed Brayden’s hands on the rope above the connection and put her feet on the rocks to keep them off the face. Slowly, they made their way up until they reached the top, where several sets of hands helped them up and over the edge. She high-fived Brayden. “Good job, buddy. You did great!”

The boy put his arms around Jax and squeezed. “Thank you, Jax. You’re awesome.”

Jax went to one knee and held Brayden’s hands. “So are you. You did a great job taking care of your brother.”

Chance was waiting as the two walked over to where the horses and Zeus waited. Chance wrapped an arm around Jax and shook Brayden’s hand. “I’m proud of you. You kept a cool head. I know your mom and dad are going to be proud of you as well.”

Brayden shoved his hands in his pockets. “Maybe after they get done grounding us for a million years.”

Jax bent down and took his hands. “I’ll put in a good word for you.”

Brayden encircled her for another hug. “Thanks for everything.”

Jax soaked it in. She was riding a rescue high and enjoyed every second of working for a positive outcome. She looked up at Chance. “You’re very welcome.”

 

***

 

Hours later, Chance and Jax stood in the barn to brush Kelly and Mac out. It had been an intense rescue. They were both exhausted as they finished the care of the horses and shut up the barn. Chance wrapped an arm around Jax. “You did great out there today. Damn proud of you.”

“I’m just glad the boys were okay. I talked to Eve a few minutes ago and she told me they were passed out in bed. The hospital released Laken with orders to rest. That whole thing could have turned out so much worse.”

“Luckily for us, it didn’t. You got that line started and got Laken’s sugar up while reassuring Brayden. That was exceptional.”

Jax sighed. “I saw Kendra out on the scene. She helped transport Brayden out on one of the Saddleback unit’s other horses.”

“I saw her too. I told her we’d have dinner tomorrow.” Chance looked at her watch. “Well actually, today. I think we need a shower.”

Jax held open the door to the house and let Zeus go in front of them. “That sounds like the best idea you’ve had all day. You and me, naked, with hot water all around us.”

“Lead the way.”

Jax pulled off her scrub top and dropped it on the floor, along with the tank top that had come off with it. Chance watched Jax slip out of her boots and leave them behind as she walked. The sight of Jax’s naked back suddenly erased the tension of the day. The jeans went next, until all Jax was wearing were the lacey bikini bottoms she favored. Chance increased her pace, picking up the discarded clothing and throwing it into the laundry room. When she looked up, the last bit of fabric left on Jax’s body was dangling from her index finger. She’s trying to kill me. As they drifted to the ground, Chance quickly shucked out of her own clothes and made great strides toward the bathroom. The sight of Jax’s naked body stepping into the large, walk-in shower made her center clench.

Chance was grateful for the instant hot water heater she’d insisted on when they remodeled the bathroom. If there was one thing she loved, it was touching Jax under the steaming pulsations of the shower heads they had installed. “God, you’re beautiful.”

Jax turned in her arms and put her head back. Chance smoothed back her dark hair and let the hot water soak it through. With a need so great she could barely contain herself; she pulled their bodies close and let her lips linger on the soft flesh between Jax’s neck and shoulder. She nipped, and then licked the spot, enjoying the groan of pleasure that escaped Jax’s mouth.

“Chance, I love you so much. Please touch me.”

Not one to ever deny the woman she loved anything, she bent her head and captured Jax’s nipple in her mouth. She sucked and licked until the flesh became puckered and hard. Her right hand roamed down Jax’s sleek body, the water aiding the sensuous glide. Her left arm held Jax tightly to her while her lips traversed the landscape of skin over and around each breast. Jax’s hands had migrated to her hair and were holding her head tightly to the nipple she’d just drawn between her lips.

“So beautiful.”

“Chance, I love everything you’re doing to me, but if you don’t touch me soon, I’m going to explode on my own.”

Chance raised her eyes to Jax’s. “We can’t have that happen, now can we?” She backed Jax over to the tiled bench seat built into the shower and lowered her to it.

Curiosity danced in her eyes. “What are you doing?”

“This.” Chance used her hands to draw Jax to the edge of the seat, then dropped down to her knees on the tile floor. Water cascaded all around them. She pushed Jax’s knees apart, then lowered her head to Jax’s center. Though diluted by the water, Chance could smell Jax’s arousal and moaned at the very thought of tasting her. She pointed her tongue and used it to part Jax’s silken folds. Chance nearly gasped at the delectable flavor of her lover’s desire. Her lips enveloped Jax’s center. Chance sucked. She licked and flicked across every tender surface, drawing moans of pleasure from her lover.

“Oh my God, Chance. Yes.”

Chance’s knees were uncomfortable, but it paled in comparison to the pleasure of making love to the woman who would be her wife. Her tongue explored every inch of the swollen flesh. She felt Jax dig her nails into her scalp. She buried her tongue deep inside Jax, stiffening it for greater penetration. Moving in and out, she listened to the whimpers of the woman before her and drew her head away only to join her lips with Jax’s in a passionate kiss. The desire to be inside Jax was overwhelming, and she moved her right hand between their bodies.

“Please baby, go inside. I need to feel you.”

Chance wanted to fulfill Jax’s every desire and she entered her with two fingers, watching as her head fell back in pleasure. She moved in and out of the heat as the water poured over Jax’s thighs. With each and every thrust, Jax met her with urgency. When their eyes locked, Chance brought their faces close together and growled out her demand. “Come for me, baby. Let go.”

Jax’s eyes started to flutter, and Chance increased her speed, dropping her mouth once again to the erect nipple. When she nipped at it, she felt Jax clench around her fingers and pull her in even deeper. A deep tremble started in her lover. The spasms around her fingers increased, until she felt the hot rush of Jax’s climax coat her hand. She moved her body to prevent the spray from erasing her prize. She bent her head down and lapped at Jax, as she continued to push into her lover’s body. A second, more intense spasm clenched her fingers so tightly she couldn’t have withdrawn them if her life depended on it.

With a final gasp, Jax came again. “Chance!”

Chance gentled her licks and strokes, drawing out every aftershock from the two intense climaxes. Her love for this woman grew every second, and she vowed to bring a lifetime of pleasure and safety to Jax. When she stopped her motions, she withdrew gently and pulled Jax to the floor of the shower with her, cradling her in her arms. “I love you, Jax. More than you’ll ever know.”