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.

managed to pry it away and placed Elodie's hand on top

to 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

past few days, every possible nightmare had played through her mind. She'd heard stories from locals about ruthless gangs and the things

help but think, what if he had hired

every flicker of emotion on Esmeralda's

known this side of her-outspoken, a bit reckless, but

he turned and headed over to Adrian, striding away across the

Esmeralda had worried.

soothing, doing her

only step back and let Elodie handle

rang with

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

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 off. This

all kinds of

diplomatic headaches. Giving up

tougher than

from the other end of the line. After a

she also asked for a few days off-which