Chapter 22
Kate sat on a bench in the waiting area of the infirmary after Phoenix was taken back to be treated.
The medical facility was alive and bustling with nurses speeding from one patient to another.
The cries of those injured from the grenade rang out, transporting Kate back to those dreadful moments at the airbase.
Kate thought about men like Nick who had spent months at a time enduring complete chaos at any given moment.
She imagined the fear and panic that would threaten to shut them down, and yet they persist—for themselves, for those around them, for those they love.
Kate was certain she would not have what it takes to react that way in a situation.
The confrontation back at the storage facility nagged at the back of her mind. Guilt for leaving the act of murder to Nick hung over her like a raincloud. He had killed to save their lives. To her knowledge, he had never disposed of someone willingly.
Nick’s response to her sprang to mind: I’d be delighted.
The shame only crushed her because her sense of worth was depleted. Nick knew her value, and he was more than willing to complete this task for her; he was eager. Norman’s death was not about rectifying past offenses. It meant securing a safe future here at Fort Vanguard for Kate and other women.
With the aid of a nurse, Phoenix hobbled into the waiting area. A few hours must have passed before Kate realized it. Phoenix’s injury had been wrapped in gauze and bandages.
“See? They didn’t amputate like you said they were going to!” Phoenix jested.
“No, I said they were going to take your tongue after spending twenty minutes with you,” Kate responded, and the nurse gave a knowing smile.
“Damn, you and Nick both with the low blows!”
Kate wrapped his arm around her shoulder as she took over providing stability. “We do it because we care. Let’s get you home.”
The normally ten-minute walk from the infirmary to the barracks lasted at least twenty as Kate and Phoenix staggered through the commons area. Kate was careful to move at Phoenix’s pace to avoid upsetting his injury.
Phoenix pushed open the door to his room and Kate sat him on the bed.
“You’re welcome to hang out until Nick gets back if you need the company,” Phoenix said. Kate smiled as she regarded Phoenix’s drawn face and tired limbs.
“I appreciate it. I’ve got some things to work out in my head and I’d like to be there when he gets back. Get some rest and give us a shout if you need anything.”
“Thanks for getting me taken care of.”
“Of course.” Kate closed his door and made her way to her own. Relief washed over her when she realized she could return home without the fear of Norman creeping in the shadows or waiting behind the door. The world was not free of bad men, but this one in particular had been snuffed out.
As Kate washed up in the bathroom, the door to her room opened. She blotted her face dry with a towel and tossed it on the counter. Nick walked through the door, his face was red with beads of sweating trickling down the sides.
“How’d it go?” Kate asked as though he had just returned from a job interview or an audition. She shrank back while he tugged off his boots.
“Flawless,” Nick answered. He studied her posture, taking in the uncertainty that swarmed her. One of his hands found hers, and he kissed the back of it. “It’s done. He’s gone. No traces.”
Kate nodded, her gaze drifting sidelong as she decided her next words. Part of her wanted to experience Norman’s last moments vicariously. She longed for every gritty detail. Would it damage Nick to provide a retelling?
“Thank you,” Kate whispered, and wrapped her arms around him. Nick fiercely returned the hug and kissed the top of her head.
“I feel like I took the satisfaction away from you.” Nick pulled away to look down into her eyes. A resolute peace rested in them.
“No. I could have done it if I had to. It’s just, I realized it wouldn’t change anything. He needed to go so that he didn’t hurt anyone else.”
“Yeah, well, I would’ve preferred a slower, more painful death for him.”