“Just ate a little too much junk this weekend,” I admitted. “But I’m good.”
“Been there, done that.” He smiled. “I sent you a couple of files I need another set of eyes on.”
I nodded. “Okay, I’ll get right on them.”
“Did you register for the Bar?”
I bit my lip. “Not yet. I just want to be sure. It’s a chunk of money if I fail.”
“Register, Tate. I’ll worry about the money, and I don’t give one fuck if you fail,” he said. “The first time.”
I chuckled. “Got it.”
He nodded. “Good. Let me know if you have any questions.”
“I will.”
He walked back to his office, and I logged into my computer before heading to the kitchen for coffee.
I walked up to the coffee machine and promptly spun on my heel and made a run for the garbage can, vomiting quite profusely into it.
“Well, shit,” Erin breathed out behind me. “What happened?”
“I’m so sorry,” I said to the garbage can. “I think I ate something bad this weekend.”
“Oh, honey, you should go home.”
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’ll have a Sprite and some saltines.” I swallowed. “I’m sure this’ll pass.”
“Well, if you need anything, let me know.”
“I will.” I grimaced. “I’ll just get rid of this bag.”
She smiled. “I think everyone would appreciate that.”
She left the room and I got rid of the trash bag, cleaned myself up, then headed back to my desk. Mack kept the kitchen stocked with sodas, snacks, and all manner of condiments, so I’d grabbed a Sprite and a sleeve of saltines on my way from the bathroom and they were indeed calming my stomach, so I was able to focus on work.
By the time five o’clock came around, I felt much, much better, and had even managed to get ahead of my workload which meant I could sleep in a bit tomorrow.
I had texted Flash a few times throughout the day but with no response. I knew he was busy but started to get a little irked that he hadn’t even attempted to respond to me. I pulled into the garage and walked into the house a little before six, tired, and suddenly nauseas again. I changed into yoga pants and tried Flash again.
“You got Flash. Text me if you want me faster.”
“Hey, honey. I’m officially worried. Can you please give me some form of proof of life? Please be safe. I love you.”
I hung up and stepped back into the garage to see if I could find some Sprite but heard my phone ringing from the kitchen. Rushing back inside I answered it, biting out, “Flash?”
“No, sweetheart, it’s Hatch.”
“Oh my god, what’s wrong?”
“Flash is missing.”
“What do you mean, missing?” I squeaked.
“His helo went down outside of Sacramento. That’s all I know. Stick’s gonna fly me down there. I’m on my way to the helo pad. Maisie’s on her way over to you, but she’s comin’ from Portland, so it’s gonna take her a minute. Can you call your mom or your sister to come sit with you?”
“Um, yeah, sure.” I bit back tears. “Please find him?”
