“Bro?” Ridge’s voice broke the silent stare down between brothers. “Looks like footprints heading into the tree line. I’m going to take a look, see if I can find her.”
“Wait for me.” Antonio turned to Rafe. “You stay here. Call in the accident and get help. I have to find her.”
“Go. I’ve got this. I’ll catch up when I can.”
Antonio sprinted over to where Ridge stood, close to the live oaks so prevalent in Texas. Dead branches were scattered along the ground, blown free during the high winds and dry summer months, and piles of scattered brown crispy leaves littered the forest floor. Ridge pointed to disturbed spots in the mud, where feet had obviously tramped through.
“One smaller set, and one larger.”
“Serena. The others must belong to the driver. Let’s go.” Antonio took off at a slow jog, trying to keep his eyes on the ground and keep from running head first into tree trunks. It was rough going after about fifty feet or so, because the trees were denser, and the ground wasn’t as wet, and the footprints began disappearing.
Ridge kept pace with him. He knew his brother felt guilty Serena had left under his watch, but he was glad his brother was helping him search. Of all his brothers, Ridge was the best tracker in the bunch. If there was a trail to follow, Ridge would find it.
He kept pushing forward, Ridge close by his side, until Ridge threw an arm across Antonio’s chest, stopping him in his tracks. When he looked at his brother, Ridge raised a finger to his lips, then closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he pointed to his right and began walking in that direction, his steps cautious and deliberate, trying not to make any noise. Antonio’s heart was in his throat as he followed his brother’s path, knowing Ridge had heard something he hadn’t.
Precious seconds passed as they continued forward, but a piercing scream had Ridge racing forward, Antonio right on his heels. Serena! The scream had come from Serena. Listening as he ran, Antonio prayed like he’d never prayed before he’d reach her in time.
A muffled curse came from up ahead, this time the voice deep and decidedly masculine. Thrashing noises, along with sounds of a struggle filled the stillness. Antonio’s legs burned with each racing step, his sole focus, his only goal—get to Serena. He sped past a stand of trees, spotting a man several yards away, standing over a prone body.
A blurred movement at his side, and Ridge launched himself at the male, knocking him to the ground. Antonio sprawled to his knees beside Serena’s prone body. Her eyes were closed, and he could see her taking shallow breaths. Blood matted her hair and splattered across her forehead.
“Serena, sweetheart, tell me you’re okay.”
She didn’t answer, didn’t move, even as his hands slid over her body, checking for injuries. He couldn’t see anything too serious, at least not to his cursory glance, but she still hadn’t opened her eyes.
“Get back here, you little weasel.”
He looked up at Ridge’s yell, and saw a man take off running, darting in and out of the trees and bushes, headed back toward the road. Right now, he didn’t care. Either Ridge would catch him, or he’d run into Rafe when he exited the tree line. All he could think about, all he cared about was Serena. She was hurt, how badly he couldn’t tell, and it worried him she hadn’t woken up.
Running his fingers along her scalp, he found a knot the size of a goose egg on the back of her head. No, no, no! Digging in his pocket, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Rafe.
“Tell me EMTs are on their way.”
“Should be here any minute. Did you find Serena?”
Antonio took a deep breath before answering. “Yes, but she’s hurt. I can’t tell how bad, but she’s unconscious and has a big lump on the back of her head. There’s blood on her forehead and her face. Ridge is chasing some guy, I guess he was the driver. They’re headed back toward the road.”
“I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Where are you, so I can send the paramedics back?”
Antonio gave him basic directions and hung up. Why wouldn’t she wake up? He needed to see her eyes open, have her tell him he was worrying over nothing, and she’d be fine.
Sirens in the distance told him help was only minutes away, yet each one seemed an eternity. He watched Serena’s chest rise and fall with each breath, but he was afraid to move her in case she was hurt worse than he could assess. His hands itched to pull her into his arms, know she was okay, and everything would be fine.
Why aren’t the paramedics here yet? I can’t lose her! I can’t!
The crunching of dry leaves and shuffling feet was a welcome sound, it meant help had arrived. Uniformed EMTs stepped through the trees, and he stood, taking one step back and then another, letting them come closer. Rafe strode over and stood by his side, having followed the EMTs from the road.
“You okay?”
Antonio shook his head, his eyes glued to the two men checking Serena for injuries. A cervical collar was slipped around her neck, and he winced. She looked so small and helpless lying on the dirty ground. It tore him up inside, guilt and fear a heady cocktail playing with his emotions.
“Did you see Ridge or the other guy?”
“I was busy bringing the paramedics back, had to show them where you guys were. Dusty should be here any minute, along with a tow truck to haul in the wrecks.”
Antonio watched the paramedics gently lift Serena onto the backboard they’d carried into the wooded area. Bright red blood across her forehead accentuated the paleness of her skin. The dappled light through the trees cast eerie
