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“That’s Kaylyn’s truck,” Jaris said

“I recognize it, too”

They picked up their pace, heading toward the sound

“Kaylyn has got to be okay, Chance”

“I hope so, but I keep asking myself why she wouldn’t have come to us”

“Maybe one of the dogs is hurt and she can’t leave the to calm his worry for Kaylyn? Yes

God, I hope he’s right and she’s okay

They continued down the path for what felt like an eternity Finally, he and Jaris rounded the last corner where they’d left Kaylyn earlier

“Over here, guys” Her voice sounded sweeter than anything he’d ever heard before in his life “Just a few s?”

“We don’t know,” Jaris said “We thought they ith you We heard a rifle shot”

“You heard that?” Kaylyn’s tone didn’t sit ith him

He reached out and touched her face Sensing she was holding sout coiled into a knot of concern “Kaylyn, are you okay?”

“I’m okay, Chance”

He felt a tear on her cheek and stiffened “What’s the matter?”

“Don’t worry I really am okay, but I have been shot”