Page 64 of Ash Storm

Ash

On the large screen in the conference room, Reka’s mother and father were openly weeping.

Even Reynolds, the final participant in the three-way conference call, wiped at his cheek with the back of his hand at several moments in the call.

And Reka … Reka looked so happy to see them. It seemed to Ash it was only now that she was able to believe that she was truly free.

“Are you sure you’re okay, sweetie?” her mother asked. She was a handsome woman in her mid-fifties, with full, rosy lips and almond-shaped eyes. Ash could see where Reka got her beauty from.

“I’m okay, Mom, Dad, Uncle R. I promise.” She gave an exaggerated yawn. She seemed to be fading fast now.

“We’ve prepared a room for her,” Thorne came in swiftly. “So she can get some rest.”

“When are you coming home, baby?” her father asked impatiently.

Everyone looked at Reynolds. Though they hadn’t spoken about it, Ash assumed he would be the one to organize a flight for her.

“I’ll organize a flight for tomorrow, Reka.” He sighed. “I wish I could come over myself to find you, but—“

“That’s not necessary, Uncle,” Reka said quickly. “I’d rather stay here a few days, if that’s okay.”

“What? Why?” her mother asked sharply.

“I’m okay, Mom. But I’m tired. I need some time to … process. And one of the men who rescued me got hurt. Before I leave, I want to make sure he’s okay.”

Her family nodded, unwilling to question Reka’s decision.

But Ash could tell bullshit when he heard bullshit. And Reka was bullshitting her family now. He just didn’t know why yet.

“Okay, sweetie. But come home quickly. We miss you so much, and we’re so happy you’re safe.”

Her parents disconnected from the call. Reynolds stayed on the line for a moment longer.

“We’ll keep her safe,” Thorne said. There was no need to say anything else.

“Thank you,” Reynolds said, including them all in that look, pausing specifically on Ash. “Thank you all. We will speak tomorrow.”

“Ms. Evans,” Thorne began.

“Reka. Please.”

“Carrie will take you to your room. If you need anything, please let her or any of us know. We’ve called a doctor to—“

“No,” Reka said. “I don’t need to see a doctor.”

“Well, I—“

“Please. Slate already took care of my feet, and I’m not hurt anywhere else. I just need to rest.”

Ash understood Thorne’s hesitation, but knew also how close Reka was to unraveling. He was about to intervene when Dark came in.

“Let’s not make a decision now. We can talk about it tomorrow again, when you’ve had a chance to rest?”

Reka’s lips pursed, but finally she nodded. Ash almost smiled. She must have realized this was the best offer she was going to get.

“Okay. I accept that.” She stood up. Though she didn’t make a sound, he saw in the tightening of her jaw how much her feet were hurting. “I need to speak to Ash alone for a moment.”

“How about I show you to your room?” Ash said.