Page 146 of Forever Dead
“Authorities have confirmed Sheriff Connor Chase was seriously wounded while pursuing a suspect from a nearby residence into the popular Halloween attraction. The sheriff was transported to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery. His current condition has not been released.”
Selena felt suddenly cold.
She set one hand against the reception counter.
Eric stepped closer. “Selena?”
“Why didn’t anyone call me?”
“I don’t know.”
Her phone was in the motel room.
She had put it on silent before bed because Eric’s horror marathon preparations had included three messages about whether she wanted popcorn. This morning she had showered, dressed and left without checking it.
Connor had been stabbed while she slept.
Nausea moved through her stomach.
Eric reached for her arm. “Sit down.”
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.”
Selena pulled away more sharply than she intended.
The movement jarred her wrist.
Eric stopped.
On the television, Connor’s photograph remained beside the words CRITICALLY INJURED.
Selena stared at it.
“I should’ve been there.”
“Selena, I’m sure there’s nothing you could’ve done.”
She turned toward him.
The words were kindly meant. That made them worse.
“I wish people would stop telling me what I can and can’t do.”
Eric’s mouth opened, then closed.
He hadn’t told her to do anything except sit down. Selena knew that, just as she knew her presence in a dark cornfield would not necessarily have saved Connor.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “That wasn’t fair.”
“It’s okay,” Eric said quietly.
“No, it isn’t.”
“Go.”
Selena stared at him.
