As the aircraft made its descent to the runway, Jenna shuddered at the memory of watching James Stone’s interview. He had divulged his many kills with obvious glee but implicated no one. It was as if he enjoying reliving the macabre tale from killing his foster parents to a list of murders going back years, but hearing James Stone’s final statement chilled her to the bone. He said she was his reason to kill the dark-haired women, and the men were collateral damage. His words ran through her mind in an endless loop.
“It was Jenna’s fault; she made me do it. I tried to be nice to her but she treated me like a lowlife. She was no better than all the others. I was not good enough for the high and mighty sheriff. All I wanted was a relationship with her.” Stone had turned and stared into the one-way glass as if he could see her. “I had to make you pay for disrespecting me, Jenna. I had to make them all pay.”
The incident had happened a year ago, and no matter how many times she refused him, Stone had become a pest and when Kane arrived in town, she had asked him to warn Stone off. Stone had finally got the message and left her alone and she figured his fixation on her was finally over. She had no idea his hostility toward her had gone on for so long. The thought that women had died because they resembled her made her sick to her stomach.
After taking a cab to the hospital, a nurse directed her to a sterile, cold waiting room. Worried beyond reason, Jenna paced up and down. Kane had been under the knife for hours. She let out a sigh of relief when the double doors to the operating area swished open and a man wearing surgical scrubs strolled toward her. He held out his hand.
“Sheriff Alton, I believe? I have Mr. Kane’s permission to give you an update.”
Jenna shook his hand and nodded, fighting for words. “Is Dave okay?”
“It took three surgeries to repair his injuries and he’ll need rehabilitation but he’ll be okay.” The doctor narrowed his gaze. “The plate in his head saved his life but it was extensively damaged and we replaced that when he arrived. The knee required two surgeries and he’ll be on crutches for a time but he is tough; this won’t hold him up for long.”
She swallowed hard, fighting back tears of relief. “What about his memory?”
“He has blank spots but they’ll return in good time.” The doctor smiled at her. “Do you want to see him? He is out of intensive care and back in his room now.”
Jenna nodded and her stomach squeezed. Perhaps this would be the last time she would see Dave Kane. The government would whisk him away and give him a job in another state. She followed the doctor along a corridor and he indicated to a room with a secret service agent posted outside. She showed the man her ID then stepped inside and held her breath. Kane was flat on his back with machines attached everywhere, and a large frame covered his knee. He looked pale and a large, red scar ran down one side of his shaved head. She edged to his bedside and touched his hand. “Dave, it’s me, Jenna.”
“Jenna?” His eyes opened and he stared at her. “You came all this way to see me?”
She sat on the edge of his bed and touched his arm. “They wouldn’t let me to come earlier. It seems you are pretty special around here.”
“You’ve been busy. Wolfe called before I went into surgery and brought me up to date.”
Jenna wet her lips. She wanted to find out everything that had happened to him but he was in no shape to talk right now. “I’m glad you recognized Wolfe when I sent him down to help you in the canyon.”
“I would have shot him but he used his codename and mine.” Kane gave her a sleepy stare. “He was my handler when I was in the service. Ah, I guess you didn’t know that, did you? Darn, now I’ll have to kill you.” He chuckled deep in his chest then groaned. “Oh, Lord, Jenna, don’t make me laugh, it hurts.”
She frowned. “Wow, the drugs are really messing with your head. You know, I’m sworn to secrecy, same as you, or have you forgotten?”
“I remember you fine. I was just lightening the mood. You look so worried.” Their gazes met and Kane cleared his throat. “My timeline is muddled, is all, and the doc says in time, it will all fall back into place.”
Jenna looked down at his bruised and battered face. “I’m so glad you’re going to be okay.”
“Enough about me. You caught the killer, James Stone, the super lawyer. Who would have picked him?” Kane frowned as if he had something difficult to say. “You are one hell of a sheriff. It took guts to take on that maniac alone.”
Jenna’s chest constricted. He was going to tell her he was not returning to Black Rock Falls. She swallowed hard. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You did just that.” Kane sounded as if he was fighting to stay awake.
Jenna cleared her throat. “Duke misses you. He sits by your rig and howls. I had to drag him into Rowley’s house before I left. His eyes were so sad. I did tell him I’d be back soon.”
“I miss him too.” Kane shut his eyes. “Thanks for looking after him and the horses for me.” He turned his head away as if not able to meet her gaze.
“It was no trouble. Duke is like family now.” She could not prevent a tear from running down her cheek. “Something is worrying you, Dave. Just say it and get it over with.”
“Okay. I do need to ask you something.” He turned his head to peer at her through his lashes and his voice lowered. “Come closer, the meds are kicking in again.”
As she leaned over him, Kane’s voice came out in a sleepy whisper. “When are we going home?”