“Sometimes not. Sometimes, they stay out overnight in tents.”
My stomach cramped. Surely, they wouldn’t be doing that in below-freezing temperatures and in the snow.
Charlie showed no such apprehension of the possibility, beginning to bounce again. “I’m gonna be on SAR just like my dad and uncles and Aunt G. I’m gonna help people who get lost and hurt. But I don’t want to be a policeman. I want to be an animal scientist.”
My heart clenched as I stared down at the boy with a heart of gold. “That sounds like a great plan to me. But it means you’d better get to sleep so you can study hard tomorrow.”
“Aw, man,” he mumbled as he flopped back onto the pillows.
I laughed as I switched off the light, leaving only a small frog nightlight on. “It’ll be worth it.”
“It better be.”
“Goodnight, Charlie. Sweet dreams.”
“You, too,” he said, his voice already slurring with sleep.
I slipped out of the room, closing the door behind me. I moved down the hall and paused at Drew’s open door. He was bent over his desk, scribbling in a spiral notebook.
“How’s it going?” I asked.
His head lifted, brown hair all askew. “I hate pre-algebra.”
I laughed. “I don’t blame you. Do you need any help? It’s been a minute since I’ve conquered that particular beast, but I bet I can brush up.”
Drew shook his head but grinned. “Naw, I FaceTimed one of my babes. She helped me.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep a second round of laughter at bay. “I hope you thanked her.”
“Duh. Babes love words of affirmation.”
My brows lifted at that. “Do they?”
Drew nodded. “I read all about it.”
“Just make sure you’re using your powers for good, not evil. And don’t stay up too much later.”
Drew sent me a salute, and I closed the door behind me. I kept going down the hall, hovering outside Luke’s shut door. I worried my bottom lip and then finally lifted my hand to knock lightly.
“Come in,” Luke called, his voice gruff.
I opened the door to find Luke propped against his headboard, a familiar book in his hand. I couldn’t help the smile that tipped my lips. “You’re readingThe Way of Kings?”
Luke’s brows rose. “You’ve read it?”
I nodded. “I loved it. I usually go more for YA fantasy or paranormal, but I loved that one.”
“The battle scenes are pretty sick.”
“I’m glad you’re liking it. You might tryFourth Wing. Epic dragon riders.”
Luke’s eyes flared. “I’ll check it out.”
I shuffled my feet. “I just wanted to check in and see if you need anything before you call it a night.”
Something passed over Luke’s face. “I’m good. I’m used to him bailing on us for whatever.”
I stilled, tension wrapping around my shoulder blades. “He’s on a search and rescue call.”
