Ghostwalker 03 - Night Game

humiliated.”

    “Joy,” Flame stroked back her hair. “Look at this place. It’s burning to the ground. Carl, James, and Vicq are dead. There won’t be anything left to show anyone. Tell me about Saunders. Are you sure he was the boss?”

    Joy nodded several times. “Everyone seemed a little afraid of him. He and Carl are related somehow. They hired Vicq to guard me and…” She sobbed again, this rime more hysterically. It took her a few minutes to re gain control. “Soften me up. Train me. That’s what Saunders said. He would strangle me until I couldn’t breathe while he raped me. I think that’s how Francine died. Carl and Saunders reminded him several times not to kill me.” Flame rubbed her back, wanting to keep physical con tact. She noticed Joy seemed to need the reassurance of her touch. “Nonny, Raoul and Wyatt’s grandmother, was the one who pointed us to this area. You took pictures of this clearing.”

    “James brought me here on a picnic. Now I know he must have planned to kidnap me then and turn me over to Vicq.”

    “Why didn’t he?”

    “Some trappers came by I knew. They’re friends with my brothers and they stopped to talk to me.”

    “Of course,” Flame said. “James would be afraid they could identify him as the last man seen with you way out here and alone. He wouldn’t want that. Those pictures were a big help, Joy.”

    Joy turned and looked at her for the first time. “What am I going to do?”

    “Live. One day at a time. Heal. One day at a time. You have a wonderful family and amazing friends. You’re smart enough to know not all men are like Vicq and the others.
    It won’t be easy and you’ll need help, but you’ll find a way to live a happy life. I know you will.”

    Joy shuddered. “I just want to see my mother’s face again. I prayed I’d see her face again.”

    “You will. Wyatt’s here now. We’ve got to get you down to the airboat so we can take you to the hospital. Someone has to carry you. Raoul or Wyatt?”

    “Wyatt Fontenot is here?” Her voice rose to a small wail. She bit it off, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “He knows what went on here? How can I face him? I don’t want him to see me like this.”

    “Wyatt hasn’t stopped looking for you, not for one moment. Yes, he does know what happened here, but it only makes him want to keep you safe, the same as Raoul. The Fontenot brothers are very protective.” Flame glanced up to see Wyatt striding toward them, his face set and hard. “I don’t think you’re going to get much of a choice unless you say so now. Here comes Wyatt.”

    Joy dragged the wet sheet around her, seemingly aware that it was semitransparent. As he approached, Wyatt peeled off his shirt. “Joy. Remerciez Dieu que vous etes vivantes .
    Come here, cher .”

    His voice was so tender, a knot rose in Flame’s throat. She watched him bend down and hold the shirt out. “I have my eyes closed, honey. Get rid of that wet sheet and put on my shirt. I brought an old pair of sweats as well.”

    “I didn’t even think of that, Wyatt,” Flame said. “How thoughtful of you.” She took the soft sweatpants from Wyatt’s hand since Joy seemed frozen in place.

    Joy looked at Flame helplessly, afraid to move or speak. Flame pulled the wet sheet away from her bruised and battered body and replaced it with the warmth of Wyatt’s shirt. “Can you stand long enough to let me help you into these?”

    “Just a moment,” Wyatt said. “I’m going to lift you up, Joy. I’m just going to support you so you can step into the sweats.”

    Joy was shaking so uncontrollably again Flame was afraid she’d shake apart, but Joy allowed Wyatt to hold her while she pulled up the sweatpants. He gathered her into his arms, cradling her to his chest. “Your parents are going to meet us at the hospital. We’re doing this all very quietly, Joy. We don’ want to tip anyone off.”

    Flame followed them, a little shocked at how heavy her legs felt. Raoul fell into step beside her, wrapping his arm around her waist. She leaned against his strength, grateful he was there. “Remind me to tell Nonny she raised a couple of incredible men. He’s so gentle with her.” She turned to look at him. “The way you are with me.”

    Gator brushed a kiss across her mud-smeared brow. “I knew you were crazy about me.
    You look tired.”

    She flashed a smile. “Now you sound concerned. I’m just tired. I don’t think wading