I don’t honestly know.
And to that, Archie said nothing.
But then Hudson’s email landed and her head was in an entirely different space.
Beau had been responsible for the hoax last summer? Or at least partly responsible? She read and re-read the apology letter from him to the entire crew. He hadn’t given up any names but was working here voluntarily to learn and hopefully make up for what he’d been a part of.
Nadia went to the kitchen where she found Hudson who’d just finished talking to Brad after he came back to base from a job. They’d clearly been talking about the same thing.
‘Well?’ Hudson asked as Brad disappeared to the bathrooms.
‘I’m shocked, I admit, but he sounds really sorry. And he did call it in to say it was a prank.’
Hudson’s shoulders sagged. ‘I think he really does regret being involved. I’d be livid if he didn’t. What I need to know… and I can’t tell you and the rest of the team what to do, but I need to know whether you’re going to take this further. Conrad said it was up to you guys, that he didn’t have to make it official unless we… or rather you… all wanted to.’
‘What did Noah say?’ She knew Noah had a history with hoax calls affecting emergencies, one very close to home, so this wouldn’t sit well.
‘He was the one I was really worried about. But he’s spent a bit of time with Beau, he said he could tell he regretted what he’d done, he said he’d go with what everyone else wanted to do, but to him, Beau was learning his lesson. He suggested I get Beau involved even after he’s finished his punishment.’
‘What do you think to that?’
‘If people give him a chance, I think it’s a good idea. The air ambulance is vital to the community both nearby and far away and for Beau to really see that for himself can only be a good thing.’
‘I’ll talk with the team.’
‘Thanks for understanding.’
‘Of course.’ Her brow creased. ‘Wait a minute, is this why you’re not freaking out about Conrad and Lucinda?’
He let go of some of the tension he’d been holding. ‘Yeah, I suppose so. The guy did right by Beau so even though I don’t particularly like him, he’s gone up a bit in my estimations. Not sure he’ll stay there but…’
‘Stranger things have happened,’ said Nadia.
Nadia stayed at the airbase long after Hudson had left for the day and she was still there when Maya came in through the front entrance.
‘What on earth are you doing back here?’
‘I could ask you the same question,’ said Maya. ‘It’s after nine.’
‘Admin. Might as well get it done.’
‘I left my running trainers in my locker and I really need them to get out tomorrow morning. I’m training for the half marathon fundraiser in a few months and I have to make sure I fit the practice sessions in.’
‘How was dinner?’ Nadia asked.
On a deep sigh, she admitted, ‘Bearable. Conrad was on his best behaviour to impress Sofie, Isaac’s girlfriend.’
‘Glad to hear it. What’s she like?’
‘She’s adorable. She was more nervous than I was, the poor thing. I like to think I’m not that terrifying.’
‘You’re not at all; don’t be daft.’
Maya came around to Nadia’s side of the desk. She seemed hesitant before she admitted, ‘In the car on the way to the restaurant, Conrad told me something. About your sister.’
Nadia’s insides dropped. She’d kept the fact she had a sister quiet from all of them for years, and miraculously, the crew hadn’t cottoned on to Giles being related to her because they often got kids coming to visit the airbase. Vik must have kept anything he had heard that day quiet and anyone else who’d been around had probably been too busy to think about who Giles might or might not be related to.
‘Why didn’t you tell anyone you had a sibling?’ Maya said softly.
