Page 23 of Fighting for Family

“Leo left and regrouped. After your supposed death, he returned here and kept searching. Maybe we can keep doing it from here and fly over as leads come in?” Chase suggested. “I don’t think we need to broadcast our intentions. After all, what happens here stays here.”

Whiskey’s mouth firmed, and determination lit up in his eyes. “It sounds like a damn good plan. I can’t live with myself knowing he’s out there in a dry desert all alone. He deserves to rest here on the mountain among us.”

“Then we’re agreed,” Chase said, rising from his seat. “We’ll keep searching until we bring his remains home. We can bring the team up to speed once they’re Stateside. They won’t take the news well.”

“I’ll give them a heads-up we have another plan. It won’t make them feel much better, but we’ll do what we can,” Whiskey said, rising. “What does Catherine want us to do?”

“She mentioned to Kassie she wants the showers for Claire and Gabby to happen. Then she’ll plan a funeral when we return,” Chase said. “Kassie said she made the decision after reading Leo’s letter.”

“Then we’ll support her through this and continue. I’ll schedule a meeting with the alpha team and a small group of new guys. We’ll leave Patch and Knight off rotation for the moment. I’ll ensure they’re all updated on their medical training.”

Chase smiled, impressed with Whiskey’s new changes. He seemed more confident and level-headed.

“I’m happy to take a spot on the rotation. Ahmed does a great job holding the fort down,” he said before opening the door.

“Thanks, Doc. For now, the team will stay contained. You have your family and this mountain to watch over. We can’t lose you, too,” Whiskey informed him.

“He’s my best friend. I’ll do anything to get him back,” Chase said emphatically. “The team helped me when I needed it with Kassie. I’ll be damned if I’ll be sidelined.”

Whiskey chuckled. “I hear you loud and clear. I’ll add you to the rotation.”

Chase walked out, passing Leo’s door, which usually stayed open to encourage his team to keep communications open. His hand touched the door as he stared at Leo’s nameplate. “Wherever you are, you’ll never be forgotten.”

He walked out of the facility feeling the heavy weight of losing his best friend.

CHAPTER 9

The following day, Catherine walked into the closet and pulled one of Leo’s shirts from the hanger. She slipped it on and laughed when it didn’t cover her belly. Derrick and Grace napped in the next room while Melody attended school. The house seemed unusually quiet as she walked into the living room and stared at the mountain. When did they stop appreciating its beauty?

She glanced back at the kitchen and imagined one of their Sunday breakfasts during her pregnancy with little Derrick.

“Melody, do you want chocolate chips?” Leo called as he flipped a small pancake for Grace.

“Yes, and don’t forget the strawberries, blueberries, and bananas for the top,” she yelled from her room.

“Then you’ll need to come wash them. I’m not a grocery store,” he replied as he set Grace’s plate in front of her. “What about you, baby girl? Do you need anything on yours?”

Grace pointed to the fruit bowl, indicating she wanted bananas.

“Of course, you do,” he grumbled.

“I can help,” Catherine offered from the living room.

“Nooo thanks. We don’t need you yakking at the smell of food. Do you think it means we’re having a boy?” he asked excitedly. “The grans say when you get sick, it tells the sex of the baby. Damn it, I can’t remember what they said.”

“Add five dollars to the swear jar,” she reminded him. “You have little ears listening.”

“Shit, I forgot,” he said, pouring more mix into the pan.

“Make it ten,” she said, adjusting the pillow.

“Well fuck, now I don’t have anything for lunch tomorrow,” he grumbled as he pulled out his wallet.

“Leo,” she giggled. “You owe the jar another five.”

“This damn thing will be the death of me,” he said, exasperated.

Catherine giggled harder. Leo’s laughter echoed through the house.