He’s using his steady voice that he puts on, the one no one else has clocked. Maybe Honoré. I don’t think Holmes cares much about anyone outside of our family.
I’m lucky. I guess.
Honoré touches his ear, then says to me, “Oakley’s gonna walk you through this on a secure channel.”
“Okay.”
“Darling?” Oakley’s voice crackles in my ear. “I’m in my office now. Can you hear me?”
“Yes.”
My lungs release a little more, and I breatheeasier.
“Sweetheart, you’re safe. You’re with family.”
“There aren’t any babies?” I shake my head. “We’re sure?”
“We’re sure.”
“Am I…?” My cheeks are wet. Tears, I realize. “Am I going crazy?”
“No, sweetheart. You had a flashback.”
“I’ve never had one of those before.” I sniffle. “The baby looked so real.”
“I know it did. We’re gonna get you back here, and we’re gonna make sure you’re okay.”
“I need you to take over, Oak. No lights. Just make me stop thinking.”
H and H share a look. I grimace. They might not be able to hear Oakley, but they can definitely hear me. That cat might be out of the bag.
Honoré sends me a wink. “You’re okay, Sy.”
Oakley lets out a breath. “I’ll take care of you. But for now, Uncle Anders is going to give you a short-acting sedative. The team has to complete the op before they can fly you home.”
“Okay.”
H and H escort me through the front office. The piles of ash are a welcome sight. Anders comes in from the side, patting his pocket. “I’ve got something for you.”
I nod.
He follows us out to the SUV, has me sit in the back, then makes quick work of the injection.
That’s nice.
The familiar bump of a helicopter landing pulls me out of twilight sleep.
“There you are,” Uncle Anders says, crouched in front of me. “How’re ya feelin’?”
I yawn. “Okay. I think.”
He nods. “You’ll be a little groggy for the next twenty minutes or so, but you’ll be just fine. Let me know if you develop a headache or confusion, okay?”
I bob my head and notice Oakley waiting by the helipad, Cupcake by his side.
“Cupcake!” I wave both hands. “Myyy Oakleeeey.”
“Hey, bud,” Uncle Anders says, patting my arm. “Oak can’t hear you, but everyone in here can. He’s been trying to keep this thing between you two hush-hush. So, you know, be cool.”
