Chapter 27 #2
Trapper jumped off when Sebastian lifted one end of the sled and Ryan picked up the other.
What the fuck had Eastman packed? It was heavy as bullion.
They strode past Cas and into the cabin.
He spotted Birdman and the two pilots and a woman he assumed was the doctor.
She shot to her feet and came to meet them.
“We need to lift her off this sled onto the floor because the sled is technically evidence,” he explained, “but it was all we had for transport.”
“Hi Summer. I’m Doctor Lee. Let’s get six of us supporting you for transfer, okay? Everyone, try to keep her horizontal. Whoever is left drag the sled out from under her. Someone else get a sleeping pad to make her comfortable on the floor.”
They did as instructed. The doctor got to work, and Sebastian stood back and looked around. Trapper stood hesitantly near the front door, then tentatively approached the fire.
His satphone rang. Where was Nora?
Novak. “Sit Rep.”
Sebastian walked over to the defunct kitchen sink for some privacy, eased his sniper rifle case over his shoulder, and then removed his backpack and placed it on the floor.
His shoulders ached from days of carrying the weight.
“We reached the cabin a few seconds ago. Summer is being assessed by the doc. I’m going to go outside to find a tarp to cover the sled to preserve any evidence that might be left and then get the team together for a quick debrief. ”
“We’ll need your rifle. Shouldn’t be for long, but you know protocol. How’s Nora holding up?”
“Good.” Better than good. Amazing.
“She was brave to do what she did. Charlotte wants to meet her.” Novak cleared his throat. “Nora’s NPS supervisor told me something very interesting about her past.”
Shit. Sebastian’s heart started to rev. If Novak insinuated that she was in some way less competent than anyone else... “I am aware of her past.”
“Really? I’m surprised. Her boss said she never spoke about it.”
Sebastian huffed out a breath. “Who else knows?”
“In the FBI? Charlotte and Romano. Plus, Jed Brennan because I wanted to get his take on what it might mean to the mission.”
Sebastian bristled even though he’d had the same thoughts when he’d first found out. It did fall within the scope of their responsibilities to know exactly who they were dealing with, but he doubted Nora would see it that way.
“Can you keep it to yourselves? Nora doesn’t like to talk about it, and we should respect her privacy.” Sebastian dragged his damp hat from his head and shook it out. “How are Donnelly and Grady?”
He’d had preliminary reports that neither had suffered any serious injuries.
Ryan watched him, waiting for news.
“Donnelly has many contusions and a minor concussion. Doctor said she was lucky.”
“Not sure being smothered by an avalanche counts as lucky.”
“Well, Ranger Deacon and her dog being there was a definite piece of luck. Grady injured the same leg that took a bullet in January, but it’s a sprain not a break, so he’ll make a full recovery. He’s pretty upset with himself.”
“He shouldn’t be.” Sebastian gave Ryan the thumbs up and watched a relieved expression wash over his features. The other man turned away. “Where are the other two teams?”
“Beta Squad are holed up in a mine shaft on the other side of the valley. The SAR guy refused to travel in the blizzard. Wouldn’t risk his dog, is what he said.
They’re warm and secure. I’ve given strict instructions that they do not explore the tunnels.
They’ve built a fire, and we’ll pick them up in the morning.
Omega Squad should arrive at the NPS cabin any moment.
Let me know when they get there and how the kid is doing. ”
“Will do.” Sebastian needed to see Nora. Had she freaked out on him? Gotten lost? Was she avoiding him?
He turned off the phone and with a quick look at Summer, who seemed to be responding to the doctor’s questions, nodded to Cas to help him lift Eastman’s sled back outside.
“Where’s Nora?” Cas asked as they lowered the sled carefully to the ground and Sebastian dragged it to the side of the house.
“I’m not sure. Find a tarp and cover this up, will you? I want to go look for her.” Sebastian began to panic then spotted her dragging Eastman’s body the rest of the way to the cabin.
He strode over to her. Touched her arm. “I was going to do that.”
Chance was off leash now and sniffing the world excitedly as if he wasn’t exhausted even though Sebastian knew he had to be.
“I had to use the outhouse. When I came out, I didn’t like the thought of him being there all alone.” She wiped snow off her face. She was almost as pale as Summer. “I know he did a terrible thing, but he seemed so broken at the end.”
He clasped her shoulders, held those eyes that were almost deep purple now.
“I’m not gonna kiss you, Nora, or do anything to make anyone think we’re an item, okay?
” He touched her cheek. “But don’t think it’s because I don’t want to.
I’m giving you the lead on this. I’ll be as patient as you need me to be because I want you to be comfortable, but I love you and want more than just a coffee date when we get out of here. Now go inside, and get warm.”
She smiled and touched the scruff on his jaw. He desperately needed a shave.
Then she went up on tiptoes and kissed him so gently it was as if a butterfly landed on his lips.
She walked inside, and he blew out a long sigh.
“You’re so fucked, bro.” Cas gave him a hard slap on the back.
Sebastian nodded. “I know it.”