Page 85 of One Night Years Ago

“You killed a monster. And saved our lives,” Hunter retorted. He backed out of her driveway, steering loosely with his right hand. His left arm hung loose on his lap.

She wondered for a second which number to dial. Instinct won out and she called her father first.

“Natalie.” Her father’s voice sounded happy to hear from her. “I was just thinking about—”

“Dad?” she croaked.

His voice went on alert immediately. “What’s wrong, Natalie?”

“I’m okay,” she said. “Can you come to the hospital? I was attacked.”

“Attacked?”

“It was Ford, Dad.”

“Stephen Ford? Doctor Ford?”

“Yes. It was him all along. He tried to rape me again. I think I killed him.”

“Where are you, Natalie? Are you driving?”

“I’m on my way to the hospital. Hunter’s driving.”

“Tell Hunter to stay with you. I’m on my way to you.”

Natalie breathed out. She had a second call to make. “Rob, I need you and Susan to go to my house. On your way there, call the FBI. We’re going to need their help.”

“What’s going on?” Rob’s voice sounded tired as if she’d just woken him up.

“Ford was the man we were looking for all along. I just killed him. Hunter and I are driving to the hospital.”

“Are you hurt? Do you need anything?” To his credit, Rob didn’t even bat an eye at the news.

“We’re okay. I just need you to get to my place. I need to know if he’s dead.”

“I’ll call Susan and meet her there. And, boss? I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Rob. Keep a lid on this for as long as you can. The press is going to be all over this.”

Hunter drove straight to the Emergency Room area.

“What?” he asked. “I think this qualifies as an emergency, Sheriff.”

Natalie’s father was already at the hospital when they parked. He must have broken every speed limit in town to get there so quickly. He wrenched the passenger door open. His sky blue eyes went cloudy when he saw the bruises on her face and the shirt she was wearing.

“Natalie!”

“I’m okay, Dad,” she said, burrowing into his embrace.

“Thank God,” he said, squeezing her gently.

Chapter 31

Hunter

Hunter groaned as he eased himself out of the car. He moved as slowly as possible, but he didn’t think there was a muscle in his body that didn’t hurt.

Natalie’s father raised his head and looked straight at him. The older man’s experienced eyes took in his injuries at a glance.