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.

the chaos, Esmeralda managed to pry it away and placed Elodie's

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

"Like

how

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

couldn't help but think, what

caught every flicker of emotion on

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

her finally relax, he decided not to say more. Instead, he turned and headed over to

ached for how much Esmeralda had

her best

step back and let Elodie handle

phone rang with a call

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

don't worry. I won't let this throw me off. This is an important hub for us-I can handle shovel.net She knew the

had triggered all kinds

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

tougher than

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

see her mission through, but she also asked for a few days off-which was