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Heath removes his surgical mask. “She’s fine.”
The second doctor, a stoic man with a short beard and piercing green eyes, speaks next. “We haven’t met. I’m Dr. Hayes Aldridge. I’m the orthopedic surgeon who performed the surgery on your friend. She’s in post-op care now and doing as well as can be expected. She sustained a few fractures in her leg, but I was able to repair them, and she should make a full recovery with some rest.
“She will need a lot of care in the coming weeks. Though, we understand that she will be transported to a safe house for her security. Please make sure to call me if she has any issues. I’ll fly to wherever you need me to see her.”
I nod. “We appreciate your help.”
Heath places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I know it’s tough but try to stay positive. She’s a strong woman, and I am confident that she will fully recover. In the meantime, you need to take care of yourself too. She’s going to need your support when she wakes up.”
I nod, feeling a surge of determination. Finn and I have to eliminate the Zs for her and us. Afterward, I will do whatever it takes to help Piper get through this.
“The air team is here. They’re prepping her for the trip. The helicopter is waiting for you on the roof, and the medical jet is at the hangar. If you need anything, you know how to find me,” Heath says, extending his hand.
I shake it and do the same with the other doctor. “Thank you for everything.” I turn around, making my way toward the helipad.
* * *
The plane humsand shakes as it flies through the night sky. Piper lies on the stretcher, eyes tightly shut, as the doctor adjusts cables, tubes, and machines that beep and flash intermittently, monitoring her vitals.
I glance out of the window at the Rocky Mountains in the distance, their jagged peaks piercing the sky against a backdrop of clear blue. Usually, I’d feel excited to visit Finn or attend training at the facility, but this time, my heart is a heavy weight sitting in my chest.
The plane descends quickly, bringing us closer to our destination. I watch as the cityscape comes into view—the roads and highways below a tangled web of bright floodlights illuminating the dormant city.
This sight usually brings me joy, but I can’t shake away the dread that’s been growing inside me.
Who’ll take care of Piper? I had trusted Finn to arrange everything, but I hadn’t thought to ask who he would entrust her care to.
As we get lower and lower, my heart races with fear and worry. The memories of what almost happened to Piper don’t go away. Then, there’s Finn. He’s about to confront his biggest nightmare.
Finally, the plane touches down on the runway, and I’m back on solid ground. As I step off the plane, I am filled with a mix of emotions. I watch as they unload the stretcher and push Piper toward the ambulance that awaits us.
* * *
Even with all thenoise and movement, Piper doesn’t wake up. Instead of going with the driver Finn sent to pick me up, I jump in the ambulance. My heart races as I hold Piper’s hand. She is lying on the stretcher next to me, looking so at peace despite her pale face. According to the doctor who flew with us, she’s still under sedation but should be waking up soon.
I try to stay calm, but inside I am terrified. I don’t know what the future holds or if she will be okay. I hold her hand and pray that we’ll defeat the Zs. After that, we’ll be able to figure out our future.
The ambulance sirens wail as we race through the streets. Is that necessary? We’re supposed to go to a safe house, not wake up the entire city, for fuck’s sake.
I can’t take this anymore. Finn fucked up this part of the plan. I shoot him a message immediately.
Derek: What’s the deal with the amateur personnel?
Finn: What do you mean?
Derek: The ambulance is making more noise than fireworks during Fourth of July.
Finn: No one is going to know who they’re carrying. What’s bugging you?
Derek: Who’s going to take care of her?
Finn: My family.
Derek: Your dad and his husband?
Finn: His husband is staying in Costa Rica, but the Brassards might swing by. They’re the only people besides you that I’ll trust with someone as important as Piper.
Derek: Why is she important to you?
