Moonlight Secrets (#2 Penderry's Bizarre)

Chapter Twenty Three

Air rushed into Bunny's face before the shock of cold water struck her. She plunged into the fast waters, submerged in quiet darkness. Rocks grazed her knees, and the current dragged her deeper downstream. When she finally struggled to the surface, she gasped for breath and wiped water from her eyes. Above the rush of the river, howls floated down from the bridge. The werewolves paced at the railing, watching them drift away.

Bunny found Jim treading water beside her, and seconds later Anju broke the surface. They gathered together and let the bubbling river pull them to safety. After a while, the current slowed.

"I think we can get out now," said Jim.

Wet and exhausted, they climbed up the bank and sat on the grass.

"We can't stop for long." Jim peeled his satchel from his back and dumped it beside him. "Is everyone all right?"

Bunny nodded. "Yes. Are you?"

He turned his rifle over, tipping water out the barrel. "I'm all right, but my gun's had it." He cast a glance at the surrounding fields and trees. "Do either of you know where we are?"

Bunny had no idea. She'd never ventured far from the cantonment.

Anju peered at the flowing waters. "I know this river. My old village must be nearby. If we keep to this side of the water, we'll eventually come to Shamki village. From there it will be easy to hire transport to the cantonment."

"That's assuming there's anyone at the cantonment," said Bunny, her thoughts turning to her father. "The last we heard, the wolf attack left barely a survivor."

Jim dragged a hand through his wet hair, pushing the locks out of his eyes. "I counted at least eight soldiers and three servants when I was there this morning. Including your father."

She shot to her feet, her heart lurching. "You've seen my father?"

"I have indeed." He smiled. "See, what did I say about intuition?"

"You were at the cantonment?"

"Yes. The camp is thin on the ground, but they've sent for reinforcements. And it's just as well since the maharaja is certain to head there now in search of Anju."

"We have to warn them."

Jim pulled off a boot and emptied out the water. "When we reach the village, we'll find someone to carry a message to the camp while you and Anju rest. I'd find a guide and go myself, but I'm reluctant to let either of you out of my sight."

"Then let's go," said Bunny. "We have no time to lose."

***

They set off downriver, following Anju through a fragrant flower meadow. Jim's wool socks squelched in his boots, but the evening sun warmed his face and forearms, drying his clothes and hair.

"How did you find us?" asked Bunny, walking a few feet in front of him.

"That's a long story. Your uncle came to my house after Singh abducted you."

"I hoped he might turn to you for help, but I never expected you to come all this way."

Her golden braid swung at her back, just below the lacings of her cropped silk blouse, and her slender fingers brushed the tops of the pink mist grass. He watched her, his throat going dry.

"I can't quite believe it myself," he murmured, then swallowed and said more loudly, "I didn't come alone. Mr Westman should be back at the cantonment by now. Do you remember him?"

"Of course," she glanced behind and smiled, dimples pitting her cheeks. "You and Mr Westman must be my guardian angels."

"Hm, I've never been called an angel before." He felt his lips stretching, amused.