Page 77 of Stolen Salvation

Snow and Lotus both nodded but Charlie wasn’t aware of her. “No.”

“She’s a PTSD counsellor. I think she could help. You’ve been through so much trauma, and you need help unpacking it all and learning to deal with it and heal.”

Charlie knew the doctor was right, she just hoped she hadn’t ruined her chances with Noah. “I think you’re right. Can you give me her card?”

“I can do better than that. We’re discharging you this afternoon and sending you back to Longtown if that’s what you want. Peyton lives in Hereford and I can arrange for her to call you and you can figure out a meeting.”

“I’m going home?”

“Yes.” Savannah smiled, responding to the smile on her face. “I’ll check on you twice a week, but I do want you to stay at the Shadow compound, so you have people around you and are safe and rested.”

Charlie bit her lower lip wondering if that was a good idea. Hadn’t she put these people out enough?

“Stop that shit, I can see you’re over-thinking this. Noah would want you there and so do we. Bás practically made it mandatory.”

“I don’t work for Bás.”

Lotus chuckled. “Yet.”

“Uh, did you forget the bit about me being knocked up?”

“Of course not, but you won’t be pregnant forever and you don’t have to do fieldwork. Anyway, not my place.”

“No, it’s not.”

They all turned to see Bás standing at the door, arms crossed over his chest, an unreadable expression on his face.

“Shit,” Lotus said but shrugged, clearly unconcerned by her boss’ expression.

“Can we have the room?” It wasn’t really a question and the three women who’d just talked her off the ledge when she needed it left the room.

Charlie was knackered but she watched Bás approach slowly before taking the chair beside the bed.

“Lotus has a big mouth.”

Charlie smiled. “She means well.”

“She does and she’s a damn fine operator, which is why I don’t fire her ass.”

“Was she right? About you offering me a job?”

“She was, but I have to be honest. I can’t lose Bishop either. He needs to be on board with this too.”

“I get that. You’re his people.”

“Well, if you want us we can be yours too. I spoke to him earlier and he informed me he’s okay with it.”

“He is?” She stopped, wondering if it was before she dropped her shit on him. “We kind of had words.”

Bás braced his hands on his knees. “I heard.”

“I think I fucked up.”

“Maybe, but nothing that can’t be fixed, I’m sure.”

“I love him.”

“No shit, Sherlock. Maybe I was wrong about you being smart ’cos that shit is obvious.”