He couldn’t think, and he couldn’t help but believe this was his fault—because she was right.
Elizabeth gave, and they all took.
Because they needed to do one thing, and only one thing, he would lead the way.
What she was asking for wasfaith.
Faith in her.
Faith in themselves.
And faith in what the future held.
So, Chris tucked the letter into his back pocket of his scrubs and answered his question.
What would they do?
That was easy.
“We let her go.”
* * * The Blackhawks * * *
Somewhere
Hours Later
Post Escape
When the jet landed, she tipped the pilot and flight crew generously and hugged them.
Chris had arranged for a gift in the form of another jet, but he made sure that she flew with the normal people.
To be safe.
“Thank you, Jim. Head home, and don’t tell anyone where you dropped me.”
He patted her arm.
“Don’t worry, Ma’am, Doctor Leonard already told us to take a vacation after our flight back. We’re not going home. We’re going to Fiji to pick up the kids and help transport them back in a few days.”
She appreciated that.
“Thank you,” she said, hugging him.
Because she was a doll, and he genuinely loved working for her, he squeezed her hands.
“Call when you need a ride back.”
She laughed.
It sounded so simple, like he’d just show up.
“I will, Jim. I will.”
Getting off the jet, she walked down the steps and took in the early evening air.
It was cool, crisp, and smelled like fall. It had been so long since she’d been able to actually enjoy the seasons. Here she was, approaching Halloween, her most favorite time of the year.
