He wasn’t standing on the deck watching as Adam steered the dinghy away from shore, leaving a group of infected splashing after him to their doom. Nearing the boat, the hair on Adam’s body stood on end as Parker didn’t appear. A cold weight settled in his gut as he concentrated, reaching out with his senses so he could hear Parker’s heartbeat. It was there, beyond the roar of the dinghy’s motor, but it stuttered and jumped. Maybe he was napping and dreaming. Maybe it was nothing. “Parker?” Adam dragged the loaded dinghy up onto its resting place in the hollow of the stern. He stood on the little lowered platform and knotted the rope the way Parker had taught him. Then a mess of scents wafted toward him with the breeze. It smelled like… People. His heart plummeting, Adam leapt up to the deck. For a moment, he could only stare in horror. Then he was at Parker’s side on his knees, a helpless roar screaming through his mind. “Parker?” He touched the blood on Parker’s temple and gingerly prodded as Parker opened his eyes.
