He very slowly opened his wings. His left one drooped. I prodded along the bones, and he flinched when I touched the second curve. I didn’t see any protrusions or external damage. I hoped that they were only bruised. I put him on his back, looking Charlie over. I could see that many of his stomach scales had been torn out. He was going to be in pain, but they would grow back. I couldn’t see anything critical enough to think he should visit a vet right now.
I had dehydrated salmon in my pocket and stuck it in my mouth. I took the bigger blanket Tanner brought me and made it into a pouch he could climb in. Daisy joined him at once. She knew where I was, so she would focus on her friend.
I took the salmon out of my mouth. It reminded me of the first day I met River, and he was so grossed out by having the spit-covered beef in his hand. I felt that tightening in my chest. “We need to find your dad, Charlie. We both need him, don’t we.” He chirped at me. I gave him something to eat, and we sat there.
Sarah walked over to me. I suddenly took a breath. I didn’t know how long I had been holding it. “You are the companion for Charlie indefinitely. I showed him your credentials as a legacy member and explained your relationship as mentor and boyfriend. After phone calls to the board, they think Charlie is best with you and Daisy.” It felt so final, like we would have to figure out how to go on without River. That was not an option. We were better with him in our lives and haven’t had him long enough.
Stone forced me to eat a sandwich. They were afraid I would pass out again. I couldn’t understand how they were holding up so well. They were strong men. All looked worried, though. I didn’t know what they did when they left the group. I suspected their pain ran deep.
Storm walked over to me and handed me his phone. “Mama wants to talk to you.”
“She what?”
“You don’t turn down, Mama.” He pushed the phone towards me.
“Hello?”
Josephina had broken English, but I understood her. “You are my son too. I know you two belong with each other. You bring him home to us one way or another.”
“I will, Josephina.”
“I am not Josephina. I am your Mama.” I felt a mother’s love for the first time in my life. It was pure and unconditional. “You take care of yourself. We are all here for you. You are family. We love you.”
“I’m going to find him and bring him home.” I swallowed hard.
“Good. I know you won’t let me down.” I handed the phone back to him. I just promised something I didn’t know if I could fulfill. As she said, one way or the other, I would make sure her son was back with her.
Over by the food table, I saw a milk crate. I claimed it, then put the dragons inside, creating a nest. I tucked more blankets around it to keep them warm. Daisy wouldn’t leave me at this point if I tried to put them in a room. She would try to break out, injuring herself in the process. She kept her head up, ensuring she knew where I was while she nursed Charlie.
There was a ripple of voices through the crowd. I got up and jogged to Blaze. “What’s happening?”
It sounds like they found Tyrell and Shandra. They were sending a helicopter up to get them to a hospital. How bad their injuries are is still unknown, but they are both alive. I was thankful for this piece of good news. I wished for them to be okay.
The sun was setting, and the temperature was dropping. It ripped at my heart to think that River would be out there another night. I wanted to be there to hold him and keep him warm. It was my job to make him feel loved and protected. I was failing at that, and it was paralyzing.
Chapter forty-one
River
Lost in the mountains of Canada.
I was able to standup, leaning against the cliff face. I looked around. Apparently, I was on a small shelf on the side of a cliff. I looked up behind me, and there was about a forty-foot drop. Did I fall off that? I had about fifteen feet down in front of me. I moved over to one side, looking at the trees. My right leg wasn’t going to be helpful. I did the best possible assessment I could. The drop in front of me wouldn’t be something I could do with my body in this condition. At the edge of one side, I could see another ledge that I could probably climb down if I wasn’t freezing, bleeding, and had both legs. A small indent could protect me a little from the elements if I went down to that level.
I got sticks and then ripped the sleeve off my dress shirt. It’s not like the fabric was doing anything to keep me warm. I made what I hoped would work as a brace by using some sticks and more of my shirt to hold them in place. Looking at the sky, I figured I had enough time to get to that ledge.
I knew this was going to hurt. Sitting on my butt, I slid my legs in front of me, using my arms to support myself. I bumped and tumbled onto the small outcrop. It was getting dark, and it looked like I would be spending the night here on this ledge. I could settle into a tiny depression against the wall where I was slightly warmer. I hoped we didn’t getmore snow.
I whispered to myself. “Why didn’t you tell Aaron? I will die out here on this damn cliff, and he will never know how much I loved him. He didn’t have to say it back, but he should have known.” I curled as tightly as I could into a ball. I lay there scared alone, and I cried.
Chapter forty-two
Aaron
Basecamp Rocking Lake
They called off the rescuers for the day. The horses and snowmobiles came in for the night, two dog teams put on headlamps and continued to search, and the helicopters were grounded just before dusk.
Outside, security guards and a skeleton crew stuck around, but I doubted they could find him in the dark. It was getting colder. All I could think about was River out there alone in this cold. I asked Sarah to bring more blankets for the dragons and wrapped the entire crate up, ensuring they were warm.
