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I turn to Brady, seeking answers. “Where’s Skye?”
It’s unusual for her not to be present at the end of a rescue. Like her brother, Forest, she’s very hands on, examining those we’ve rescued for immediate, life-threatening injuries.
Brady’s face tightens with concern. “Forest collapsed a few days ago. She stayed behind at the hospital with him, waiting for updates.”
“Hospital?” My heart sinks, worry creeping into my voice. “Is he going to be all right?” I can’t imagine anything taking Forest down.
“We don’t know. Forest is undergoing tests to determine what is going on.” Brady shakes his head, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and uncertainty.
Barbi’s hand finds mine, her grip steady and determined. “You okay? You look like someone killed your puppy.”
“It’s Forest.”
“What about him?”
“He’s in the hospital.”
“Oh no. I hope it’s nothing serious. He’s an amazing person. I only met him that one time on the roof, when…” Her cheeks pink as she glances away.
That was the night we reconnected. After weeks of trying to track her down, and lamely visiting that club night after night, I ran into her while helping Rafe and Hayes move Carmen and Rosalie back into the townhouse she shares with Kaye and Barbi.
When I catch Brady’s eye, it’s clear whatever’s wrong with Forest is serious.
I pull Barbi away to find us seats. She stops at a row of three, the window seat occupied by a fiery redhead. The woman smiles as Barbi points to the seats.
“Rebel, are these taken?”
“No. Go ahead.” The redhead looks at me and cocks her head. “Is it done?”
“It’s done.” There’s no reason to ask what she means, or rather who she’s referring to, although it’s a strange thing to ask.
“Good.” She says nothing further and turns her attention to Barbi. “He’s sexy. Is he yours?”
“Well, I… I mean, he’s…” While Barbi gets flustered, I throw her a lifeline.
“I’m hers and she’s mine.” Why not claim what’s true? “Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I’m going to help my team get everyone settled.
I leave Barbi and Rebel to talk and join my team getting dozens of rescues settled and explain to them what happens now. Not all of those we rescue will take advantage of the services we offer, free of charge. Some simply want to go home and reunite with loved ones. Others have no one and need what we provide. Then there are those who remain non-verbal, too scared by what happened to process the fact they’re finally free.
I feel for those the most. In my heart, I always believed I understood the depths of their suffering. After my experience, and watching what was done to Barbi, I had no idea what any of our rescues endured. I have a better idea now and approach those who are more closed off with greater empathy and compassion.
The flight home is long, well over seven hours. Barbi and I find solace in each other’s company, the weight of our shared experiences lighter with the knowledge we are not alone. The survivors around us share stories of resilience, their strength inspiring us to keep moving forward. The only one who doesn’t share is Barbi’s new friend, Rebel.
After some time, I excuse myself to check in with medical. My injuries are nothing that will keep me out of action. My nails will grow back. My ribs will heal. The bruises will fade, but my anger will always remain.
The medics clean and dress my hands, wrapping them in bandages after slathering antibacterial ointment over where my nails should be. Seeing Barbi engrossed while talking to Rebel, and not wanting to stifle that conversation, I head to my Bravo brothers.
“How you holding up?” Brady gestures for me to take a seat beside him at the long table.
The plane is divided into several sections. There’s a general passenger area up front, with seats one would expect in a plane this size. Then there’s a galley and several conference rooms where we can gather to plan out the last phases of a mission. Farther back are a suite of lavatories with fully functioning showers.
I take a seat at the table with Bravo team and some of the Guardians from Charlie team.
One of them I don’t recognize.
“Hi, I’m Alec, haven’t seen you before.”
“Name’s Ethan, Ethan Blackwood. Took over from Tex.”