Page 122 of Into the Storm

Audrey knew the limitations of what they could say on FaceTime. They were always careful in their conversations.

“I’ll check with the brass and make sure I have clear parameters on what I can tell you. I’ll push for full disclosure, but can’t make promises.”

“Fair enough.”

He loved that he could trust she wouldn’t push for more than he could tell. But then, she knew in his heart of hearts, he’d give her every ugly detail.

Someday, he’d have to share the full truth about what had happened in Belarus.

Maybe if Chris had been able to tell his wife everything, they’d still be together.

The next day, the final package arrived from REI. Audrey had all the major items—clothing and camping gear—that they’d taken from the Baldwin cabin. Right down to the sports bras and long underwear.

She’d already spoken to Danielle, who’d been far more concerned about being reported for running a vacation rental when the easement with the park didn’t allow for that than with Audrey taking items they’d needed to survive.

But given that she couldn’t even tell Danielle the full story of why it had been so important, after assuring her she didn’t give a damn about the vacation rental setup, she’d been determined to replace each item.

She had everything—right down to a brick of gourmet cheddar cheese. She would admit to being a bit surprised at the cost, but it did explain why the cheese had been so damn good. She’d ordered a brick for herself and figured she had a new obsession.

Along with returning Danielle’s things, now that the lodge area had been cleared, she could finish recording the damage to the archaeological site and document the damage to the historic structures. Lake Olympus Lodge had survived a battle, but not without injury.

In addition to ordering replacements for the Baldwins, Audrey had put together a new dig go bag, having lost hers somewhere between the helicopter, hospital, and base.

The one item she didn’t replace in her dig kit was condoms. One way or another, she wouldn’t need those in her dig kit in the future. Although the last box had served her well in the strangest way.

“You sure you want to deliver this stuff today?” Undine asked as she surveyed the pile of gear in Audrey’s living room.

“No time like the present. The locks haven’t been fixed yet at the Baldwin cabin, so I can slip them inside, no problem. And I might as well record the site damage while I’m there. It’ll nag at me while I’m on leave if I don’t.”

Undine sighed. “I hear that. Luke and I were on vacation in New Zealand, and I woke up in the middle of the night because of an unfinished project—and it wasn’t even my responsibility.”

She nodded. “Been there. I want every piece of this behind me, and since Xavier won’t be here for a few more days, I might as well get this done. Besides, it’ll be good for me to go back and face the place. Get it over with.”

“Will you be alone?”

She shook her head. “There’ll be others around at the lodge—contractors are putting together bids for repairs, and some of the inholding landowners are returning.”

“Will George be there?”

“Possibly. He was planning to move back to his cabin as soon as the all clear came.”

“I’m sure it won’t be the same for him with Jeb gone.”

“Yeah. I think he wants to get back in the woodshop. To create again. He told me after Jeb’s memorial that art was how he learned to cope with what he’d had to do in Vietnam.” Jeb’s coping mechanism had been more…defensive. “I can’t even imagine what he’s processing right now.”

Undine gave her a squeeze.

“I don’t grieve for a single mercenary who died during the op, but I feel for George and Xavier and everyone who played a part in the killing, even in self-defense. And it feels worse for George. Xavier—and Luke—they joined the SEALs intentionally. They fought to get on the teams and worked hard to stay there. They went on ops in which they knew they’d have to kill. George was nineteen when he was drafted into the army. He didn’t choose the job, it was forced on him. He then spent fifty years moving on and building a life that centered on a love of art and nature, and then all at once, his most sacred places—his forest and his workshop—were under attack, and he had to kill again to protect his world. I’m in awe of what he did for us. Thankful. I hope the shop helps him heal and doesn’t trigger remorse or pain.”

“I hope you see him there today.” Undine picked up a sleeping bag and backpack. “Let’s get these loaded in your SUV. Maybe you can get to the park in time for tea with George.”