“That was the voice of Viper Locke, the newest member of the Missoula smoke-jumping team, considered missing on Mount Sentinel.”
My body swayed, my mind trying to hold it together.
“Fuck,” Landen hissed. “They shouldn’t have played that. We know they are alive and determined to stay that way.”
“What happens now?”
“Now, they hike to the area and try and find them. The rescue mission is already under way.”
I snapped my head toward my godfather. “They must find him.”
“If it will make you feel any better, I’m headed there now to join in the search. We will find them.”
“What if when you do…”
“Nope. You’re not doing that. Have someone take you home. I will call you as soon as I know anything concrete,” he said. “I promise you. Okay?”
I thought about what he was saying and I shook my head. “Not good enough.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going with you.”
“No, you are not,” he snapped. “You are staying here. The mountain will be a restricted area only available to mandated safety personnel.”
“What are you telling me?”
“Fuck,” he hissed. “The campus was just cleared. Several bombs were located. The area is clear, but the intention has been determined. You’re staying here where it’s safe.”
“Nowhere is safe, Landen. My parents weren’t safe in their own home.”
He sucked in his breath. “Grace.”
“Nope. I’m not going to just sit here. I’ll join the reporters and wait.” I backed away, trying my best to keep from breaking down. “If you won’t take me, I will drive.”
“Grace,” he pleaded.
“No, Landen. I’m finally following my heart for a change. I will be there when you and the team find out for certain. I need to be. Don’t you understand?”
“Take her, Landen. Take her with you,” Shannon whispered from behind me. “Can’t you see the girl is in love?”
Landen grimaced, closing his eyes briefly. “Fine, but you will stay where we park. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
* * *
Lights.
Activity.
Shouts.
Silence.
Fear.
The scene at the base of the mountain was chaotic. The same partially burned football field had been turned into a makeshift media zone that was turning into a frenzy. There was a police presence everywhere, the bomb squad remaining on site.
