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.

pry it away and placed Elodie's hand on top of her own head, desperate

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

sniffled. "Like I

knew how

nightmare had played through her mind. She'd heard stories from locals about ruthless gangs and the things they did to people-enough to keep her wide awake most

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

every flicker of emotion on

of her-outspoken, a bit reckless, but fiercely loyal and

more. Instead, he

much Esmeralda had worried. She kept

doing her

step back and let Elodie handle

after, Elodie's phone rang

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

"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 off. This is an important hub for us-I can handle shovel.net She knew

triggered all kinds of

diplomatic headaches. Giving up now just

tougher

from the other end of the line. After a few words

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