Page 63 of Trustfall
“Seriously, what am I going to do with you both? There will never be any need for that. I have all I need here.” I smiled at Jameson before a soft knock pulled our attention toward the door.
“Oh, Arizona, good, you’re awake.” Camilla rushed into the room and pulled me promptly into a hug as the captain clapped a hand on my dad’s shoulder.
“Careful, Mom, don’t squeeze her too tight.”
There was no hug like a hug from a mom, so I didn’t care that my shoulders ached; feeling her arms around me made my heart happy.
“Oh, gosh, I didn’t think.” She immediately pulled back and looked me over, searching for any sign of pain in my expression.
“It’s okay, I promise.” I offered her an encouraging smile. “I didn’t realize you were both here.”
“We came up with your father after Jameson called us,” Brock said.
“I don’t even know where we are. Guessing not Rockwood or Sutton River?” There were several low-rise buildings I didn’t recognize outside the window.
“No, we’re three hours from home. Son,” Brock turned his attention to Jameson, “that’s why we came to check in on you all. Regretfully, I need to head back home.”
“I understand, Dad, duty calls. I can’t thank you enough for coming and bringing Dustin.”
“Arizona is family, and there’s nothing we won’t do for family.” His head nodded with a warm, sincere smile.
“Thank you, Captain and Camilla, you’re both incredible; your boys are so lucky to have you.”
“We’re just so glad you’re okay, Arizona,” Camilla said, brushing away a tear of emotional relief.
“Same.” I looked at my dad, knowing he wouldn’t leave my side unless I prompted him. The last thing I wanted for him was to get worn down because he wasn’t taking care of himself. “Dad, you should go home with the Fishers if that’s an option.”
Hesitation immediately flanked his expression as his eyes darted in question over me. “I?—”
“Dad, you’re exhausted. I’m fine, and I’m guessing they’ll release me soon enough. We can keep in touch via Jameson’s phone.”
“Umm, unfortunately, my phone didn’t survive the swim in the lake.” I looked at Jameson with confusion. “But you can call the extension for the room at any time. I won’t leave her side,” he vowed, rubbing a hand up and down my arm.
“Only if you’re sure, Ari.”
“Yes, I’ll see you back home.”
My dad stood and hugged me carefully. “I love you, and I’ll see you soon,” he whispered, his voice thick with reverence, filling me with comfort as I clung to him a little longer.
“Love you, Dad.” I rubbed my hand over his back. “And you all drive safe, okay.”
After a series of heartfelt hugs, it was just Jameson and me, both of us lost in the silence as we savored the comfort of each other’s presence.
“Holding you like this when I thought I’d never get the chance again—” His immense relief was evident in his tone.
“Will you tell me what happened? I remember trying to help Malcolm in his bedroom and then wrestling with someone before everything went black.”
“From the statement Malcolm gave police, he was just about to eat lunch when Dixon knocked on his front door, asking him to use his phone. He claimed his cell phone and car died and that he needed to call for assistance. The kind soul Malcolm is had no reason to suspect anything was amiss until Dixon called nine-one-one, requested paramedics, and hung up. When Malcolm questioned him on it, Dixon thanked him for making it so easy for him to get his hands on you. He’d been stalking you since the night at McQuade’s, so he knew you stopped at his house regularly, and your guard wouldn’t be up when you walked freely into the home. Malcolm’s body went into fight-or-flight mode, which was what caused the medical episode with his heart.”
“And Alex?”
“Dixon transported both of you from Malcolm’s in a van to a secondary location, during which Alex regained consciousness just long enough to witness you being moved into another vehicle. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get to you, but when we found him in the forest, he shared that crucial detail with us.”
“I don’t even know what to say; the whole thing sounds straight out of a movie. This kind of thing doesn’t happen where we live.”
“Agreed. Sadly, though, it wasn’t Dixon’s first time. He’s got a detailed history of this behavior and has targeted several other women out of state.”
“Did the police arrest him?”
