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.

Elodie's hand, but in the chaos, Esmeralda managed to pry it away and placed Elodie's hand on

hey, I'm fine- really. Not a scratch on me. Look at

sniffled. "Like I

how scared

stories from locals about ruthless gangs and the things they did to people-enough to keep her wide

help but think, what if he

flicker of

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

he turned and

for how much Esmeralda

doing her best to comfort her

only step back and

Elodie's phone rang

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

a mix of accident and foul play. I'll make sure my work is wrapped up properly, don't worry. I won't let

all

diplomatic headaches. Giving up now just wasn't in her

tougher than

her respect from the other end of the line. After a

see her mission through, but she also asked for a