How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Jarrod could tell something was off with Elodie, but he also knew what she needed most right now was his arms around her.

He didn't say a word, just pulled her in and held her tight.

He gently patted her back, a silent gesture of comfort.

Their camp wasn't exactly close by, so it took a while before they finally touched down.

Only after they landed did Elodie finally let out a breath she'd been holding, the tension easing from her shoulders.

Jarrod was the first to step off the plane. He reached up to her, his hands steady and reassuring, guiding her down each step until her feet were safely on the ground.

Fleming followed, glancing over to make sure Elodie was okay. "Everyone's been worried sick about you, Elodie. Thank God you're alright. If you'd gotten hurt..."

He didn't even finish before a voice echoed from across the tarmac.

"Elodie!"

Before she could even turn, Esmeralda came barreling toward her, throwing her arms around Elodie and bursting into tears—completely unconcerned about her appearance or that Fleming was watching. All she cared about was that Elodie was safe.

"Oh my God, you're okay! I haven't slept in days, I was worried sick! Watts Aldridge—what kind of person is he?!" Esmeralda let go just long enough to give Elodie a quick once-over, making sure she wasn't hurt, then hugged her again, sobbing even louder.

She squeezed in so close that Jarrod was practically shoved aside.

Esmeralda managed to pry it away and placed

calm her down. "Hey, hey, I'm fine- really. Not a scratch on me. Look at you, though! Everyone's watching, you know.

"Like I

how scared she'd

played through her mind. She'd heard stories from locals about ruthless gangs and the things

Watts, she couldn't help but think, what if he had hired someone else to do

every flicker of emotion

of her-outspoken, a bit reckless,

Instead, he turned and headed

heart ached for how much Esmeralda had worried.

doing her best

back and let Elodie handle

long after, Elodie's phone rang with a call

wanted her to return immediately, insisting she'd been through enough and

hesitated, then replied, "This was a mix of accident and foul play. I'll make sure my work is wrapped up properly, don't worry. I won't let this throw me

had triggered all kinds

Giving up now just

tougher than

other end of the line. After a few words of encouragement, the

her mission through, but she also asked for a