Encouraging.
A hell fire had rolled through the summit where the last two jumpers had been trapped, a fire burning so hot that everything would be torched as the demon refueled.
I’d learned more lingo than I’d cared to before. Maybe that was because at least two retired smokejumpers other than my godfather were providing step-by-step moments from memory.
“It’s going to be okay,” Darlene said.
“Why has it taken so long? Why haven’t they told us the names of the men who are missing?”
“Because they don’t want to provide any false information. You understand that.”
Hours had passed, Shannon buying drinks for everyone in hopes of keeping people calm.
“They need to tell everyone. We’re going crazy.”
“Try and relax. There are rescue people everywhere. Plus, they have methods of survival in the packs they take with them. You need to have a little faith.”
Faith was something I’d struggled with since the death of my parents. How could I believe in some sense of spirituality orhope when so much of my world had crumbled. With my stomach still churning, I turned my attention to the television. Dozens of people were staring at the screens, doing exactly what I was doing.
Hoping.
And praying.
Maybe I still did believe in divine intervention.
“I can’t relax. What time is it?”
“It’s after midnight. Do you want me to take you home?” Darlene was sweet to ask and maybe I should head home. At least because of the dogs.
With another glance at the television, I noticed the Zullies’ captain was about to be interviewed. “Not yet. Maybe in a little while.”
“I’m here when you need me. I won’t leave your side.”
I could no longer feel anything, completely numb inside. Hours had passed, the news bleak and no one was able to provide what I needed to hear.
That the man who’d awakened the lost little girl, who’d given me a reason to laugh was coming home.
Home.
I moved closer to the television. Maybe the captain had something concrete. The hope faded as soon as he began to talk. I folded my arms, so cold my teeth were chattering.
His words were drowned out by everyone in the large group surrounding me providing tips and thoughts of their own. Assoon as I turned away, Landen stepped in front of me, gently pulling me off to the side close to the exterior wall.
“How are you doing?” he asked. His fatherly voice wasn’t going to work on me tonight. Not a chance.
“Fine. Just fine.”
“You should go home and get some rest.”
“Why? So I can handle his death better than if I wasn’t rested?” I’d never snapped at my godfather before. Not once. While his expression remained even, I groaned. “I’m sorry. I know you’re just trying to help.”
He pulled me in for a big bear hug, rubbing my back. I felt so tiny in his arms.
Just like I did when I was with Viper. How could knowing a man for less than a week spark such heavy emotions?
“I wish I could tell you there is nothing to worry about, but I won’t lie to you. What I can tell you is that the fire is under control so that’s good news.”
I pushed away, nodding as I did. While I didn’t want anyone to see just how emotional I’d become, there was no way I could hide the tears any longer. I was overwrought, incapable of holding it all together.
