Page 69 of Love in the Time of Wildfires

“Yeah. Of course. Whatever you need.” Damon never looked as serious and determined, a definite shift from his usual jokey attitude. Logan knew he could trust the guy, and the rest of the squad would be in good hands. “Are you leaving tonight?”

“Tomorrow. Ricky said he’d set something up for me.”

“Good. Is it okay if I tell the rest of the group? You know we all love River and we can call people back home to see if they can help in the search. Some of the guys have giant families that could probably cover half of El Dorado County on their own.”

He nodded, not up to talking unless it was with River herself or Mimi had news.

“We’re going to find her, Logan. You hear me?”

“Yeah.” He was worried they wouldn’t, and then what was he supposed to do?

“Is there anything else you need? Do you want me to bring you food?”

“I’m okay. I’m just going to my tent and maybe pack up.”

Logan left him to wander the landscape dotted with tents, somehow finding his spot. He sank to the ground outside of his tent, not caring about much of anything. Pulling out his phone, he called River, knowing there wasn’t any point but having to try anyway. “Come on, River. Come on. Please pick up, honey.” It went to voicemail. It wasn’t even her voice, just a computerized one informing that the person was unavailable.

Unavailable.

The word would haunt him forever.

He should have been brave enough to tell her he loved her before he left. The regret of it all was now tearing him up inside. He, of all people, knew how limited and precious time was. Logan had wasted it. Not knowing what else to do, he tried calling her again, dropping his head to his knees, never feeling so lost, helpless, and defeated.

By the time the morning sun crested over the smoke-filled horizon, he was already packed and waiting outside of the command center tent.

“Jim volunteered one of his guys to drive you. I think his name is Colin. As soon as he gets here, feel free to take off. Did you get breakfast?” Ricky asked him.

“No.”

“You need to eat, Sonny. You’re not going to be any good to River if your body gives out on you. You know this as well as anyone.” Ricky called to some guy nearby and instructed him to bring a plate of food.

Logan tried to eat, but the scrambled eggs were dry in his mouth and hard to swallow—pieces got lodged in his throat.

Thankfully, Colin showed up soon after, and Logan was only too eager to leave. The sooner they got on the road, the quicker he could help in the search.

“So you’re one of the hotshots?” Colin was a little too chipper for Logan as they walked across the field to the designated parking area.

“Yeah.”

“I’ve been training because I want to get to type 1 next year. My dream is to get on a hotshot crew.”

Logan was saved from answering when his phone vibrated with a notification.

Mimi

We found her car!

Mimi sent a picture of River’s dusty SUV. He breathed a sigh of relief that he had guessed the place correctly and she might soon be discovered.

Before Logan could reply, another text popped up.

Mimi

Haven’t found her yet but at least we’re in the right area. They’re setting up a grid search. Will update when I can.

On my way. About a four hour drive.

Mimi