The Poppyridge Cove Collection, books 1-4: Seaside Inn Mysteries by Rimmy London

Author:Rimmy London [London, Rimmy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rimmy London
Published: 2021-10-19T22:00:00+00:00

Spotting a game trail, she followed it, skirting between two large hills and down into a creek bed. A wide-eyed racoon scampered up the stream a few feet and stopped, looking back at her. There were chipmunks taking shelter on the wet banks of the stream as well, and far downstream she could see a group of deer standing in the shallow water with their heads down.

She sunk down to her heels and splashed water on her hands and face, cupping scoops of the cool stream and pouring it on her hair until it was dripping wet. It was at least something. But if the fire came their way, the small stream wouldn’t be enough. She had to make her way back, and that would mean finding a high place.

The hill beside her looked big enough, and the smoke was mostly on the opposite side. Crossing her fingers, she left the water and climbed the hill as fast as her weak lungs would allow, breathing hard and trying to stave off her cough. She focused on one big step after the other, pushing both hands down on each knee as she stepped. It was a slow but steady climb, and when she finally reached the top she felt a small buzz of excitement. She turned a circle, searching in every direction.

The fire had turned away from her on the opposite side of the stream, for which she was grateful. But it looked like the road was very far, she could barely make it out. At least the burned trees acted as a marker, showing her the way back.

She started down along the ridge of the hill, exhausted but relieved. The sun was getting lower in the sky, a signal that evening was close. One foot in front of the next, she kept an eye on the flames, glad when a cool breeze whisked the smoke from the air. She breathed in the clean air. When she heard someone shout, she angled toward it, around the back of the hill. She knew the voice, and even if he’d lied, she was glad to hear it. Rounding a thick group of trees, she saw Ryan.

The phone call didn’t matter. Whether or not he lied didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she’d made it out of the fire and had found another human. A smile stretched across her face and she attempted to yell his name, but her voice choked up. Her lungs felt torn. She slowed to a walk and stumbled forward, overwhelmed by sudden, violent coughing.

Just as she was going to try to shout again, he turned. His shoulders squared and he ran toward her, catching her just as she sunk to her knees, still coughing.

“Emily!” His arms were around her, and he gasped for breath, holding her against him. “Oh my gosh, you’re okay. You’re okay,” His voice choked up, and Emily froze, not sure if she was hearing him right. But when he leaned back there were tears in his eyes.

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