Evidence of Passion (Shadow Agents 7)

His head whipped to the left. He knew that voice—it was Thomas. Thomas dove into the water and broke the surface almost immediately. Dylan shoved Jack toward him. “Keep this SOB contained.”

He whirled back around. “Rachel!” This time, her name was a roar. Pain twisted through him. He was sure that he’d seen her hand a few moments before. About five yards to the right. Just before Jack had grabbed him.

Dylan dove. It was so dark, he couldn’t see anything. His hands swept out. Searching. Desperate.

How long had she been under?

The gun had discharged just when they’d hit the water. Had the bullet hit Rachel?

No, no, no.

Fear wrapped around him and held tight. He wasn’t going to leave that water without her. Either he’d find her or—

I won’t leave.

His fingers swept out. He touched something then, something soft, silken.

Hair?

Rachel.

He shoved forward and caught her. He pulled Rachel against him and kicked for the surface.

It was okay now. Everything was fine. He’d gotten Rachel. They were both fine.

When they broke the surface, he sucked in a gulp of air.

Rachel...didn’t.

“No!” He screamed and twisted her in his arms. Her eyes were closed. Her lips closed. “Rachel!”

He swam for the dock, holding her tightly. Fear swallowed him. Consumed him. This couldn’t be happening. Not to her. Hell, no.

He reached the ladder attached to the dock. He pulled her up, and she was limp in his arms.

“What have you done?” The shout came from Jack. He was on the dock, held tightly by a soaked Thomas.

Dylan carefully put Rachel down. “Baby, please, come back.” Because she was gone. He could feel it. His heart was like ice.

There was a gasp, then Noelle Evers rushed to his side. “How long was she under?” Noelle whispered.

He swept Rachel’s mouth. There was still some water inside, so he turned her onto her side then, when she was clear, he tipped back her jaw. No breath stirred from her, so he put his mouth on hers.

He’d give her his breath. He’d give her everything.

She just had to come back to him.

I never loved him.

He knew, he damn well knew, when Rachel lied. Because he knew her, inside and out.

He checked for a pulse. Found nothing.

He heard Noelle calling for help.

Jack was shouting Rachel’s name again and again.

Dylan started chest compressions. She felt so small beneath his hands. Sometimes he forgot how delicate she was because Rachel was always such a powerhouse of energy.