here.” She motioned to Bridgett’s mother.
“Later, you’re going to tell us all every detail of what happened,” Zoey said and pulled out her walkie-talkie. “She’s here. Aubrey’s back here with me. She’s safe,” she said into the walkie-talkie.
Several seconds later, Elle replied, “We’re heading back.”
“Us too,” Scarlett replied.
“We’re on our way,” Hannah added.
Less than five minutes later, everyone rushed into the lobby, just as soaking wet and windblown as she was, and wrapped their arms around her.
“We were so scared,” Elle cried as she held onto her.
“What happened?” Hannah asked as she eyed the two women, who were looking tired and defeated. Martha had closed her eyes at this point, and Aubrey wondered if she’d given the woman a concussion. While they’d waited for everyone to return, Zoey had called Brett, who said that he would get out there as soon as possible to deal with the situation.
“Later,” Aubrey said with a smile as she glanced around. “Where’s Aiden?”
“He went out with Dylan,” Zoey said, picking up the walkie-talkie again. “Dylan, did you copy? Aubrey’s back here. Safe.”
They all waited, and Aubrey felt her entire body tense as Zoey looked at her with fear in her eyes.
“I’m going…” She turned to go, but someone grabbed her arm.
“You’re bleeding,” Hannah cried out.
She glanced down at her side where Bridgett had stuck her with the knife and brushed off Hannah’s concern.
“I’m fine. It’s just a scratch. We need to find Dylan and Aiden.” She looked out the front door.
“It’s crazy out there,” Liam said.
“He’s right,” Owen added. “Listen, I want to find my brother too, but at this point, if any of us go out there, we might just end up getting lost too.”
“I know this place,” Aubrey started.
“No, with the power out it’s easy to get lost out there,” Hannah replied.
“Not for me.” She smiled. “Since the first year I came here, I’ve practiced walking the pathways with my eyes shut. It’s how I found our way back here from the boathouse.” She started towards the door. “I like being prepared for anything.” She shrugged.
“They were checking the pool house,” Zoey called out to her.
“I’ll go with you,” Owen said.
He and Liam followed her outside. “Hold onto me,” she called over the sound of the wind. They all held hands as she led them towards the pool area. The hardest part now was fighting the wind, but since Owen and Liam were bigger and actually helping her instead of dragging their feet, they made better time.
“They’re not here,” Owen called over the wind.
“There,” she cried out when she spotted a dark figure heading towards them.
“It’s Dylan,” Owen yelled, rushing towards their brother.
“Where’s Aiden?” she cried out.
Dylan shook his head and she noticed a stream of blood dripping down into his eyes. “I don’t remember. I think a tree fell on us and…” He held his head. “I think he’s…”
“Where were you?” Owen asked.
“The boathouse.” Dylan motioned behind him.
“Take him back,” Owen said to Liam. “Go with them,” he said to her.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m going with you. I’m not giving up until I find the man that I love.”
Chapter 28
Aiden was fighting to stay alert. He knew exactly where he was and how much trouble he was in. He’d been so determined to do everything he could to search for Aubrey that he’d put his own safety in the background of his mind.
When he’d seen the door to the boathouse wide open, he’d rushed inside, screaming out Aubrey’s name. He’d noticed the large oak tree that had been next to the building lying on the roof of the place and knew that any moment it could cause the old building to cave in.
But instead of being cautious, he’d rushed in and called out for Aubrey as he continued looking around for any sign of her.
When part of the roof caved in, Dylan had taken a blow to the head. He’d helped free the man and told him to go back to get help while he continued looking. Moments after Dylan had left, the rest of the roof cracked under the heavy weight of the tree. He had been able to jump out of the way, but had landed in the water.
The waves of the normally calm bay were causing the two row boats that were tied up in the two dock slots in the boathouse to bump into him. His hands kept slipping as he tried to grab hold of the slick ropes holding them in place.
He was pushed