Page 92 of Phoenix


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I almost lost it, thankful when there was a knock on the door. “Stay right here. Okay? I’ll be back in a jiffy.” I wanted to grab the weapon just in case, but with my shaking hands and the fact Justin would be curious, I couldn’t risk it.

But fear churned deep inside.

“O-tay.”

When the pup jumped off the bed, racing after me, I thought for certain Justin was going to fly off the handle. Instead, he laughed. The kid amazed me. I headed for the door, my stomach churning.

“Who the fuck is there?” I used the most growly voice I had.

“Wren?”

It was Gage. After taking a deep breath, I opened the door, immediately noticing several faces staring back at me, including Snake’s.

“I got your voicemail and um… I’m certain you’ve heard the news?” Gage’s eyes flicked back and forth across mine.

Chewy went nuts, barking at everyone, nipping at their shins.

“Chewy,” I scolded before nodding. “I heard. Anything new?” My voice was barely audible.

He shook his head. “We thought we’d keep you company, if that’s alright. What a cutie pie. How’s the pup doing?”

“Company would be good right about now. I’m just…” I backed away from the door, allowing the group in. “Chewy is doing great. Any news on what happened to the agent?”

Gage glanced toward Hawk who exhaled.

“We’ll talk later. Okay?”

“Yeah, I get it. It doesn’t matter right now,” I half whispered, closing the door behind them.

“Hi, I’m Bryce Travers,” the woman said. When I held out my hand, she grabbed me for a hug instead. “We’re all family here.”

“I’m Hawk Travers. Phoenix and I have been friends for a while.”

As Snake moved closer, I could tell he was almost as destroyed as I was. “I don’t know what to say, Wren.”

“It’s okay. I’m glad you’ll all here. Justin doesn’t know and I…”

“Don’t tell him,” Gage suggested. “It’s a wait and see. We’ll get some information soon. I do know there were two choppers up on the mountain.”

I allowed the information to sink in, the cold chill turning icy.

“Make yourself at home. I need to tuck Justin in,” I half whispered, another round of tears forming. Maybe I wasn’t strong enough for this.

“Of course.”

I was still numb but at least I knew that Justin would safe. As the pup trailed behind me, I put on my game face, determined to try to tell him a story about his daddy.

Even if it broke my heart.

* * *

Time had no meaning any longer as the minutes and hours slipped by. There was no news. Not on the local television stations or with Gage contacting the folks he knew in the fire department and smokejumpers’ facility. From what I could tell, it seemed no one wanted to do any talking.

So I paced.

And had wine.

And paced more.

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