AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Cost of doing business,” Gunner muttered. “I’ll send these bastards straight to hell if it’s the last thing I do.”
It was a miracle there were no losses of life, at least not so far. Although I didn’t think there were any victims who’d been classified as expectant.
“How’s the sister?” Kodiak asked.
I looked over and saw Press and Beau were with Luisa and Seraphina. Dalton had moved on to treat other victims. “Safe,” I said since I had no direct knowledge of her condition. “Thank you.” I looked from Kodiak to Doc to Ares. “What happens next?” I asked.
“Once a victim receives the necessary medical attention, the reunification team moves in. From there, we’ll start taking groups home. We have two more planes headed this way now.”
“What about the traffickers?” As soon as I asked, I wondered if maybe I was out of line.
“Gunner and Razor are heading up that effort with Cayman’s and Puck’s help,” said Doc, standing when Merrigan approached. He opened his arms, and she walked into them.
I quietly excused myself, but she called after me.
“I came over to tell you I think Seraphina and her sister are ready to leave if you’d like to return to London.”
“Got it. Thanks.” While I would prefer to stay here and help where needed, I couldn’t keep avoiding her. I was walking in her direction when her eyes met mine. She stood, met me partway, and put her arms around me.
“Come meet my sister,” she said after squeezing me so tight.
“I’d like that.” I took a step back.
“But first, we need to talk.”
I shook my head. “We can talk later. Your sister is most important right now.”
Sera looked into my eyes. “Please, Noah.”
“Sure. Of course.”
The sun was starting to come up when I followed her outside. She stopped and put her arms around me like she had a minute ago, and I did the same.
“I don’t know how to thank you, Noah.”
“Seeing your sister safe is all the thanks I need.”
“What happened? Please don’t say nothing. I feel very disconnected from you. If it was my vigilante comment, I already told you I was sorry.”
She hadn’t, actually. What she’d said was she hoped I wasn’t offended. “Everything is fine. We’re all mentally and emotionally exhausted. I was on my way to see if you wanted to return to London.” I dropped my arms and took a step back.
“Merrigan suggested Malin and Alegria go too, although I don’t think Luisa is as fragile as everyone thinks she is.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll get with Press and see about moving you over to the four-bedroom apartment.”
“Not necessary. One of the bedrooms in the apartment we’re staying in has two twin beds. Luisa and I can stay in there. That way, if she wakes up in the night or needs anything, I’m with her.”
“However you’d be most comfortable.”
“Noah?”
“Come on, introduce me to your sister.” I took her hand and led her inside, ignoring the way she’d repeated my name.
“Luisa, this is the knight in shining armor I told you about, Noah Ridge,” Sera said when we found her sister sitting up on the cot.
“Please don’t get up,” I said when she shifted to stand. I leaned down and took her outstretched hand.
“Thank you.” Her eyes filled with tears, which quickly turned into sobs. I was about to sit down to comfort her when Beau and Press jockeyed to do the same thing. Beau beat his brother and me. What in the hell was that all about?
