CHAPTER 84

The water licks at my shins, soaking my pants as the horse picks its way toward the shore. It's dark except for the flashlight attached to the horse's saddle. This is the last fucking place I thought I'd find myself, but I shove down my discomfort because there's something vitally important I need to do. Find my fiancée. I don't curse her out for going after a stupid bird. It's my fault. All of it. If something happened to her... No. I won't think about that. The cove's treeline looms ahead, a dark landmark I fix on as my stomach lurches. I guide the horse toward shore and slip off as we make it up onto the beach. The sand is packed under my feet, firm and steady. "Emily!" I call, grabbing the light from the horse and shining it ahead of me. "Six!" No answer. Her jet ski is tethered to the dock. Reins in one hand, I stagger up the beach, waving the light ahead. I've spent a lot of time with this woman in the dark. Searching for her, being with her, wanting her. Before her, the d