Risky Extraction

Chapter 15

Crash couldn’t move. It was as if something pinned him down, but it was warm and soft. He opened his eyes and smiled at Allyson practically on top of him, making the cutest little snore. He wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes again. It hadn’t been a dream.

An annoying buzzing sound kept him from falling back to sleep. Crash snatched the phone off the nightstand and sighed at his sister’s number on the screen. It meant she was probably on the way with the kids.

“Who is it?” Allyson grumbled against his chest.

“Megan.” He kissed the top of her head and tapped the phone. “Hey.”

“Did I wake you?” Megan asked.

“It’s okay. I need to get up anyway.” Crash yawned.

“Dad is meeting you at your house. Is Allyson still able to watch the kids?” Megan asked.

“Can you still watch the kids?” Crash asked.

“Uh-huh.” Allyson sighed.

“Wait? If I woke you, then…” Megan got cut off when Crash ended the call.

He didn’t have the phone out of his hand when it rang again. Allyson lifted her head and furrowed her brow at the buzzing sound.

“I think Megan may have figured out we’re in bed together,” Crash warned before he answered his sister.

“Rude,” Megan snapped.

“Sorry, I hit the end button by mistake.” Crash chuckled.

“Liar,” Megan exclaimed. “Seriously, are you two… together?”

“What time will you be here?” Crash ignored the question.

“In an hour, and I want details.” Megan hung up before he could respond.

“Good thing I’ll be gone when she gets here.” Crash grinned as he wrapped his arms around Allyson.

“Why?” She kissed his chest.

“I mistakenly asked you about babysitting after telling her she woke me. My sister was quick to put two and two together,” Crash whispered against her neck.

“I’m not ashamed,” Ally sighed when he nipped her earlobe.

“I’m glad because I want to shout it from the rooftops,” Crash rolled over on top of her. “But first, I’ve got a little problem.”

He pushed his erection against her belly and groaned when she enclosed the length of him in her hand.

“I wouldn’t exactly call this little, but I’m happy to help you with the problem. How long do we have?” Allyson stroked his cock slowly.

“Megan said an hour, but you keep that up, and I won’t last five minutes. We can save time by finishing in the shower.” He jumped out of the bed and tossed her over his shoulder.

“Brent,” she squealed.

She slid down his body, and before he tugged her into the shower, he kissed her as if he needed it to take his next breath. She melted into his embrace and followed him until they were both under the warm spray of the water.

He’d wrapped a towel around his waist when his sister’s voice echoed from the first floor. Ally smirked at him through the mirror, where she brushed her hair next to the sink.

“That was not a fucking hour,” Crash grumbled.

“It kinda was.” Allyson grinned.

“I’m coming up if you don’t answer me,” Megan bellowed.

“We’re coming. Keep your shirt on,” Crash shouted.

Allyson was still getting dressed when he left the room, but not before kissing her. He found Megan in the living room with Mila on her lap and Caleb playing with the toys in the corner.

“It’s about time.” Megan snorted.

“You said an hour.” Crash picked up Mila and kissed her on the cheek.

“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about you and Allyson.” Megan poked him in the chest.

“Please keep this quiet for a bit. We’ve got a lot on our plates right now, and as much as I want to make it known, I need to get my shit together for these two.” Crash motioned to Caleb and Mila.

“Have some faith, big brother. Things happen for a reason, but I can’t understand why the hell…” Megan stopped.

“I know. It doesn’t make sense why two terrific people would be ripped away so violently,” Crash whispered.

Megan turned to watch Caleb as the little boy pushed a tiny firetruck around in circles. Crash swallowed the lump as he tried to contain the sadness. He needed to be strong for the kids and make sure he was there for them whenever they were ready to know the truth about their parents.

It was way past time to talk with Caleb about his parents and the whole situation, but Crash wasn’t sure if the little boy would understand. He’d be turning four soon, and it was up to Crash to make sure the little boy still got to celebrate his day. He handed Mila to Megan and crouched next to Caleb, where he played on the floor.

He was supposed to meet his father and work on the house, but this conversation was overdue. He sent a quick text to his dad to let him know he needed to take care of something and wasn’t surprised when his dad messaged back with a thumbs-up emoji.

“Hey buddy, do you want to take a walk on the beach with me?” Crash asked.

“Yeah.” Caleb leaped up from the floor.

“Isn’t it a little cold for the beach?” Allyson had her shoulder braced against the doorjamb.

Crash met her beautiful blue eyes and smiled. She looked stunning with all the tension off her face. She’d told him before they fell asleep that she felt anxious whenever he was around because it was difficult to keep her feelings covered. He knew how she felt.

“We’ll dress warm. Caleb and I need to talk,” Crash explained, hoping both women understood.

Allyson gave a slight nod, and Megan snuggled Mila into her chest. Crash took Caleb’s hand, and after bundling the little boy up in his warm coat, he pulled on his jacket and headed out of the house.

The walk wasn’t far from Allyson’s house, but instead of letting Caleb walk there, Crash popped the little boy on his shoulders, and they talked about what they would find at the beach. Caleb was excited.

They strolled the length of Hopedale Beach, finding several rocks, seashells, and driftwood that Caleb swore were special and wanted to take home. When Crash reached the large sitting rock, his pockets were weighed down.

“Caleb, let’s sit here for a bit before we head back. There’s something I need to talk to you about.” Crash leaned against the rock.

Caleb struggled to climb on the huge boulder, but in the end, Crash had to give him a boost. They watched the waves crash against the shore for a few minutes. It was calming, and he always found himself in the same spot when he needed peace. Crash hoped it would help him find the words to explain everything to Caleb.

“Uncle Brent, you look sad.” Caleb leaned forward and stared into his face.

Crash scanned the sweet face of the little boy he adored. It was hard to comprehend that this child would grow up without knowing what incredible people his parents were, how his dad worked his ass off to kick drinking. How his mother worked with Ethel to help foster kids find safe homes so they wouldn’t bounce around from one to the other.

“I am, bud.” Crash put his arm around the little boy and kissed the top of his head.

“You miss Mommy and Daddy too, doncha?” Caleb stared up at him.

“I do, Caleb. Very much.” Crash admitted.

“Nanny said they’re in heaven.” Caleb’s innocent little face was breaking his heart.

Crash swallowed down the bile rising in his throat because telling this kid that he was right was tearing his heart out. He took a shaky breath and squeezed the little boy closer.

“Yes, buddy. They are.” Crash kissed the top of Caleb’s head.

“Why?” Caleb’s voice cracked.

Crash was asking himself the same question, but he had to answer in a way that wouldn’t traumatize Caleb. Telling a kid his parents were murdered was not an option.

“Sometimes God needs special angels to watch over people, and he looks for the best ones he can find. Nobody was better than your mommy and daddy.” Crash blinked back tears.

“Who’s gonna take care of me and Mila?” Caleb asked.

Crash took the little boy up in his arms and held him close to his chest. Caleb wrapped his little arms around Crash’s neck and tucked his head into his neck.

“You and Mila will live with me in my new house.” Crash told him as he started to make his way back to Allyson’s house.

“What about my toys?” Caleb lifted his head.

“You’ll have all your things at my place. I’m going to have it all brought to my house. It’ll be another day or two at Allyson’s, and we’ll be moving.” Crash promised.

“Ally, too?” Caleb lifted his head and stared into Crash’s face.

Crash smiled because he’d love to have Allyson live with him, but since they had barely been together a day, asking her to move in with him might be extreme.

“She’ll visit a lot.” Crash hoped.

“I love you, Uncle Brent,” Caleb said as he hugged Crash’s neck.

“I love you too, buddy.” Crash choked out the words. “You know you have a birthday coming in a couple of weeks. Do you want to have a party?”

Crash wasn’t sure if it was appropriate, but he would move heaven and earth to ensure Caleb and Mila never missed out on anything their parents would give them. He knew from previous years that Ellie had always thrown a big celebration for Caleb’s birthday.

“I’m gonna be four.” Caleb held up his tiny hand with four fingers.

“I know. You’re such a big boy.” Crash smiled.

“I love chocolate cake,” Caleb told Crash.

Caleb’s chatter filled the time on the walk back to Allyson’s place. He went on about what he wanted to do for his birthday, not to mention what he wanted in his new room. One thing being a picture of his mom and dad. He wished he had the resiliency of a child. At least Caleb wouldn’t feel the grief Crash felt every time he thought about Wyatt and Ellie.

Caleb bolted inside as soon as Crash opened the door. He was about to follow when a black car across the street caught his eye. Living in Hopedale, he recognized what vehicles belonged to whom, and this one wasn’t familiar. It appeared as if someone was watching him, and he questioned if it was the person following him. The person could’ve switched cars.

“I’ll be back in a minute,” Crash shouted before closing the house door.

He texted Crunch and Hulk before shoving his phone back into his pocket. They lived closest to each other and knew about the strange vehicle Crash saw. It made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

He slowly made his way down the steps, and by the time he reached the end of the driveway, Hulk and Crunch had joined him.

“Someone’s in that car,” Crunch informed him.

“Let’s go see who our guest is,” Hulk stalked toward the car with Crash and Crunch behind him.

The driver’s door opened as they approached the car, and someone stepped out. Hulk immediately reached into the back of his jeans, where he had a Sig 9MM. The man came prepared, and as he wrapped his hand around the grip, Crash looked up at the man standing next to the car.

“Hulk, wait.” Crash grabbed his friend’s arm.

“Last time I was in Newfoundland, I got a better reception than this.” Axel rested his arms on the roof of the car.

“Maybe you shouldn’t be lurking outside people’s houses,” Crunch returned.

“Axel fucking Wright,” Crash made his way around the car.

“Brent fucking Adams,” Axel turned and slammed his arms around him.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Crash asked when Axel released him.

“I finally decided to move back home,” Axel replied.

“Where’s…” Crash glanced into the car.

“Don’t ask. Let’s say when I stopped handing over cash, her ass was gone.” Axel glanced toward Hulk and Crunch. “Are these guys here to kill me?”

“Sorry, we’re having some security issues. These are my buddies, Hulk and Crunch. They work for NES as well,” Crash explained.

“Good to know you got friends close when you need them.” Axel closed the door to the car.

“Axel and I served together,” Crash explained to his friends.

“Nice to finally meet you. Crash told us a lot about you.” Crunch shook Axel’s hand.

“That nickname still makes me shake my head.” Axel laughed.

“It’s a rite of passage when you work for Keith.” Hulk shook Axel’s hand.

“Since things are okay here, I’m going to head home,” Crunch waved as he headed back toward his house.

“Me too. Carolyn is pregnant, and I’m afraid she’s going to move me outside to make room for the baby.” Hulk chuckled, then jogged off toward his home.

“Great friends.” Axel leaned against the car’s hood.

“The best,” Crash admitted.

“I need to say it. I can’t believe they’re gone.” Axel shook his head.

“It’s surreal, that’s for sure.” Crash moved next to Axel.

They didn’t say anything for a while, then Axel turned and slapped a hand on his back.

“If I weren’t a recovering alcoholic, I’d say let’s go have a drink for them, but how about a coffee?” Axel squeezed his shoulder.

“Coffee we can do,” Crash said.

“We need to talk, B. There’s stuff I found out that you should know… about…” Axel stopped.

“We’ll talk.” Crash nodded.

“It’s bad.” Axel sighed.

“Come inside. Megan and the kids are there, and I want you to meet someone.” Crash motioned toward the house.

“Oh, someone, huh.” Axel pushed away from the car.

“It’s Allyson, yes.” Crash admitted.

Axel chuckled because Crash told him about her and how much he cared about her. Even when he’d given up on ever being together, Axel would remind him that things would happen if it were meant to be.

“Did she finally get her head out of her ass and realize age is nothing but a number?” Axel slapped him on the shoulder.

“It had nothing to do with age. It was something else, but we talked and hopefully headed in the right direction.” Crash opened the door.

Megan practically leaped into Axel’s arms when she saw him. He was like another big brother to Crash’s sister. He introduced his friend to Allyson. Caleb knew about Uncle Axel, but he hadn’t seen him since he was a baby.

Axel had tears in his eyes as he watched the kids on the floor. Crash felt it, too, the grief for Caleb and Mila because they weren’t old enough to understand. It was obvious to anyone who knew Axel that there was something on his mind. Crash needed to find out what, but it would have to wait for now.

“Are you staying for good?” Crash asked his friend after supper.

“Yep.” Axel didn’t look at Crash.

“Where are you staying?” Crash would make room if he needed somewhere to go.

“With my dad.” Axel stood up and brought his plate to the sink.

“What about a job?” Crash wanted to know if his friend was serious about staying in Newfoundland.

“What is this? An interrogation?” Axel turned around to face him.

“What did you expect when you show up out of the blue?” Crash punched his friend in the arm.

“I was wondering if your boss is hiring,” Axel admitted.

“I can give him your name. Keith is always looking. He was going to hire Wy…” Crash leaned against the counter.

“I’m here to stay, Brent. There’s nothing for me on the mainland anymore.” Axel plowed his fingers through his messy blonde hair.

“I’m glad you’re here, but…” Crash stopped to make sure nobody could hear them. “What’s going on?”

“Let’s not ruin the evening. We’ll talk soon.” Axel nodded toward Allyson.

“I feel guilty for feeling happy.” Crash and Axel headed out to the front porch.

“Don’t do that, brother.” Axel shook his head.

“I should’ve answered the phone that morning,” Crash whispered.

“Brent, you can’t blame yourself for this.” Axel placed the cup he was holding on the rail.

“Can’t I? He called me that morning, but I was in a meeting and didn’t answer.” Crash sighed. “Their kids are never going to know them. Those babies have to grow up without knowing how hard Wyatt worked to give them everything they needed or that their mom was one of the sweetest women in the world.” Crash pulled his hands down over his face and blew a shaky breath.

“We’ll make sure they know,” Axel promised.

“Ax, why would someone do this to…” Crash stopped speaking.

His eyes narrowed as he spotted that damn car at the end of the driveway. He skirted around Axel and darted toward a vehicle, but before he got there, the car raced away, squealing tires and leaving a puff of dust behind it.

“What the fuck do you want?” Crash bellowed as the car disappeared around the corner.

Axel joined him in the middle of the road as Crash pulled out his phone and called Sandy. Crash was pissed. He would find out who owned that car and why they were watching him.

“I got a plate number. Can you find out who owns the car and let me know?” Crash demanded.

“Well, hello to you too,” Sandy said.

“I’m not in the mood for sarcasm, Sandy. Can you get me the information or not?” Crash shouldn’t be yelling at her.

Sandy was considered one of the best data analysts in the country. She was the only female employed with NES, but the woman didn’t take shit from him or any of the men who worked with her. She wasn’t going to put up with Crash’s attitude.

“Maybe I would be willing to help if you weren’t being a dick.”

Crash blew a frustrated breath. Yelling at Sandy wouldn’t get her to do anything, and she didn’t deserve his anger. She would do anything for all the guys who worked for NES, because they were like a family.

“I’m sorry, Sandy. I want to know who the fuck is following me. It’s the same car that almost plowed me down the night of Hulk’s wedding, but this is the third time I’ve seen it in the last two days. This time, I got the plate number.”

“I’ll see what I can find out.” Sandy wouldn’t let him down.

“Thanks, Sandy, and I’m sorry for yelling,” Crash apologized before he ended the call.

“Are you okay?” Axel asked.

“I want to know who the hell is in that car.” Crash pointed to where the vehicle had disappeared.

Allyson stepped outside as Crash and Axel walked up to the porch. She glanced between them before she spoke.

“Can I get you something? Coffee?” Allyson asked.

“No,” Crash snapped.

“Okay.” Allyson’s brows furrowed.

“Fuck. Ally, I’m sorry. I’m… That car was out there again, and I feel bad about it. I’m convinced it’s connected to what happened to Wyatt and Ellie.” Crash closed his eyes and then blew out a breath. “I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

Allyson closed the door behind her as she moved onto the porch. She looked up into his eyes, noticeably disturbed by his outburst, and he felt like an enormous ass.

“I understand. Really, I do, but you have to keep your feelings in check. The kids will sense your anger.” Allyson moved closer and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“She’s not wrong, B. You’ve got to keep that shit under control.” Axel dropped a hand on Crash’s shoulder.

“I know, and I’ll do better. The last thing I want is to upset Caleb and Mila.” Crash embraced Allyson and pressed his lips to the top of her head.

She rested her cheek against his chest as Axel stepped inside, leaving them alone. Crash held her in his arms as they stood in silence. When she pulled back and looked up at him, he kissed her forehead before walking back into the house.

Axel and Megan were in the living room with the kids, and Crash placed his phone on the coffee table to make sure he heard it when Sandy called. He soothed himself by watching the kids play. It wasn’t very long before his phone vibrated.

“Hey, Sandy,” Crash answered on the second ring.

“Okay, are you still yelling?” Sandy asked.

“No, I’m not.” Crash rolled his eyes.

“I wouldn’t want to come over there and kick your sorry ass,” Sandy retorted.

“I’d like to see that.” Keith’s rough voice echoed in Crash’s ear.

“Keith, I’d kick all your asses and not even break a sweat,” Sandy promised.

“Why do I put up with you?” Keith grumbled, and Crash could picture the large man glaring at his sister-in-law.

“Many reasons, actually. First, I’m the greatest. Second, I’m married to your brother, and lastly, you love me,” Sandy teased, but she wasn’t wrong.

“Tell him, for fuck’s sake, and stop pestering me,” Keith grumbled with pure exasperation in his voice.

“Hey, you come in my office, you get what I give you,” Sandy goaded.

The woman didn’t care that Keith was not only twice her size but also her boss. She was confident enough that she knew he would never fire her because she’d be snapped up by someone else in a heartbeat.

“Did you find anything?” Crash interrupted the banter.

“What’s going on?” Megan whispered to Allyson.

“He’s concerned about some car outside. Not sure if it’s anything, but you know, safety first.” Allyson explained.

“I’m sure he’s being over-cautious. Especially with what happened.” Megan’s voice cracked.

Crash wasn’t the only one grieving over the loss of Ellie and Wyatt. Megan was also, but she couldn’t hide her grief very well.

“The plate didn’t match the car. Pretty sure it’s stolen.” Sandy told him.

“That’s fucking great,” Crash sighed.

“I’m not surprised because if someone is trying to be invisible, they aren’t going to use something that will tell us who they are.” Sandy cleared her throat. “I’ll check the footage on the cameras outside the compound. All cars have to pass Keith’s property when they drive into Hopedale.”

“Are you hacking my security cameras again?” Keith complained.

“Would you expect anything less of me?” Sandy snorted.

“Thanks, Sandy. I do appreciate it. You’re the best,” Crash hoped his compliment would make Sandy forget he’d snapped at her earlier.

“I know, and I’ll let you know if I find anything.” Sandy ended the call.

For the next hour, he talked about anything but the car. Megan asked about his house, and he admitted it wouldn’t be long before he and the kids could move in. He didn’t miss the surprise on Axel’s face when Crash said only he and the kids would be moving, but his friend didn’t say anything.

He’d almost forgotten about his dad working on things at his house. He sent him a quick text and received a message that Keith had sent some guys to help. Crash had to remember to thank the man for everything he did, not as a boss but as a friend.

“Is Cameron coming today?” Caleb asked from the living room.

“I don’t think so, buddy. He has school.” Crash informed the little boy.

The look of sadness on his little face broke Crash’s heart. The little boy seemed to connect with Allyson’s son, probably because Caleb knew Cameron had lost his father, and maybe, on some level, he believed Cameron was the only one who understood.

“How about I text him and ask if he can stay for the weekend?” Allyson suggested.

“When is the weekend?” Caleb asked.

“In two sleeps,” Megan interjected.

“That’s a long time,” Caleb groaned.

To a three-year-old, waiting for two days seemed an eternity. Crash was sure as soon as Allyson told Cameron that Caleb was asking for him, her son would probably drop by that evening.

Allyson texted on her phone for a few minutes and then smiled. She handed Crash her phone, and he read the texts she’d sent to her son.

Allyson:Hey, Caleb has been asking when you are coming by

again.

Cameron:He knows a great guy when he meets him.

Allyson:Of course he does. I told him I’d ask if you could come

spend the weekend.

Cameron:Actually, I can come by tonight and stay until

Monday. I’ve got no classes for the next two days. We have an

extra long weekend because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Allyson:I won’t tell him. You come by and surprise him.

Cameron:Hold on. Is this your way of having me around kids so

I’ll want to make you a grandmother.

Allyson:Absolutely not. I’m too young to be a grandmother and

you need to finish school.

Cameron:Ha Ha, just pulling your leg, Mom. Love you, and I’ll

see you this evening.

Allyson:Love you too.

“I forgot about Thanksgiving on Monday.” Crash gave her back the phone.

“Why does Canada have a different Thanksgiving than the United States?” Megan asked Axel.

“How would I know?” Axel shrugged.

“It’s because October is the end of the Canadian Autumn harvest,” Allyson interjected.

“Beautiful and smart. You’re a lucky man, B. I guess this means we’ll have a big turkey dinner on Monday.” Axel rubbed his hands together.

“We?” Crash raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, I’ve been out of Newfoundland a long time, and a good ole Jiggs dinner would be heaven.” Axel grinned. “Dad doesn’t cook. He has all his meals delivered at the senior’s apartment building.”

Jiggs dinner was something all Newfoundlanders missed when they lived off the island. The traditional meal included salt beef, potatoes, carrots, turnip, cabbage, and split peas boiled in a bag called peas pudding. Most households in the province had it every Sunday with a turkey or a beef roast, and it was mouthwatering.

“I guess I better get a turkey and all the fixings.” Allyson sighed. “Especially if Cam is going to be here.”

Allyson’s face suddenly looked as if she was going into a state of panic. Something about the thought of Cameron being home for the weekend was concerning her.

“What thought just went through your head?” Megan noticed.

His sister picked up on the sudden change as well. It hit him when Allyson glanced at him and looked away quickly. He gave her knee a gentle squeeze and winked.

“I can sleep in the room with the baby. Cam can have his room. Caleb will want to sleep in the same room with him anyway.” Crash hoped she understood he wouldn’t put her in any awkward situation with her son.

“Yeah. Most likely,” Allyson replied.

By the time Allyson had written a grocery list and Crash got Mila bathed, Megan informed them she was headed home, but not before she told them how happy she was for them.

Axel stayed until Cameron arrived, promising Crash he would talk to him soon. Considering Axel’s talk seemed important, Crash was surprised he left without mentioning it.

The minute Cameron showed up, Caleb followed him around. They watched a movie and set up a fort in the living room that got knocked down when Mila decided to crawl over to it and yank the blanket off the coffee table. By bedtime, Mila was ready to sleep, and Caleb was so tired he didn’t even complain when Cameron told him he had to shower before bed. By the time Cameron finished, Caleb was sound asleep.

“Little man is out like a light.” Cameron joined Crash and Allyson in the living room.

“Thanks for entertaining him, Cam. I’m sure you probably had better things to do being a university student,” Crash stated.

“I can’t think of anything. I’m not a big party person. Lily and Evie also mentioned some fair at the community center. We’re going to take Caleb, Mila, and a few of their cousins tomorrow. Lily told us her grandmother has it running the entire weekend.” Cameron shrugged. “I think Daniel and Mason are coming with us too.”

Evie was Lily’s sister, and Daniel and Mason were two of the numerous O’Connor cousins. Mason just finished high school and was taking a year off before he started university, and Daniel would graduate at the end of the school year. Both boys were going to follow in their father’s footsteps and join the police force, which was no surprise to anyone.

Crash lost count of the number of O’Connor children and hoped Cameron knew what he was getting himself into if they planned to take all the kids to the center.

“I’m going to call it a night. I’m sure I’ll fall asleep before Caleb tomorrow night.” Cameron chuckled.

“Thanks again, Cam. I appreciate it.” Crash smiled.

“Not a problem, Crash.” Cameron waved as he headed to bed.

For a few minutes, they sat in comfortable silence. Allyson seemed surprised when he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side.

“I wish you could sleep next to me tonight,” he admitted against the top of her head.

“Me too,” she whispered.

“We aren’t going to keep this from everyone, are we?” He kissed her temple.

“No, I’ll talk to Cam tomorrow, but I’m sure he won’t be surprised.” Allyson turned to look at him.

“I don’t know. You’ve been pretty adamant about keeping us in the friend zone,” he teased.

“Be glad you got promoted to the more-than-friend zone.” She poked his chest.

“I’m thrilled. Trust me.” He poked her back. “Want to sit on the front porch for a while? We need to enjoy the weather while we can. It won’t be long before winter hits.”

The evening was crisp, but they snuggled on the wicker loveseat with a blanket over their legs. Allyson made some hot chocolate to help them stay warm as they breathed the fresh sea air surrounding them.

By the time he went to bed, the evening air and the lack of sleep from the previous night had helped him drift off quickly.