"Seriously," Reaves explained."I didn't do it on purpose — didn’t give the phone so I could track them.I'm not some creepy stalker.It was just — anyway, like I said, you can give me all the shit you need to later.The point is, I checked on it, and they're right there, just outside of Fort Bragg.And I wondered..."
Ollie nodded slowly."You want me to go and check on them?"
"Well, I was thinking that since Callie's with you—"
Ollie glanced over at her again.She met his gaze this time and smiled.He beckoned for her to come over.It'd be up to her if she wanted to get involved.If she didn't, he'd figure out a way to get to wherever Alara and Zia were parked.
"I'm going to put you on speaker," he told Reaves.
When he nodded at her, Callie called, "Hey, Reaves!How's it going?I'm sorry I stole your buddy for the afternoon.You can have him back soon."
Reaves chuckled."Actually, I'm kind of hoping that you'll keep him for a little longer.I've asked him to do something for me, and it might be better if you go along."
She shot Ollie a puzzled look.
"I'll let you explain," he said to Reaves.
Reaves laughed again."Okay, I'll admit what I've done, but I promise you, Callie, I'm really not a creepy stalker."
Ollie laughed."You should probably explain yourself first.Callie's starting to look worried here."
Once he'd explained what was going on, Ollie held his breath as he waited for Callie's reaction.
"What do you think?"Reaves asked.
She met Ollie's gaze as she said, "I think you should tell us where they are, and we'll definitely go and check on them.But …" She worried at her bottom lip, and he wondered what she was about to say next.
"But what?"Reaves asked eventually.
"I was thinking that maybe I should call her first."
"What?"Reaves asked."And explain that I've been tracking her progress, but there's really nothing to worry about?Maybe you should, yeah."
"No," Callie said slowly."I was thinking more along the lines of — if I just called to say hi because I got home after the wedding, and if I just happened to mention that home for me is Fort Bragg, then if Alara wants to see anyone — or to see me — she'll say that she's here in town.Right?"She glanced at Ollie before glancing away again quickly."That way there's no need to explain how we know where she is."
Ollie raised his eyebrows, and Reaves let out a relieved-sounding laugh."I probably shouldn't admit it, but I do like the sound of that option."
Callie looked at Ollie again and he nodded."It's not exactly lying, is it?It's just..."He let the words trail off, feeling the irony like a weight on his chest.
Callie nodded rapidly."That's my point.I won’t lie to her; I just won’t mention all the details.I feel kind of sneaky doing it, but it's for the right reasons."
Reaves was quiet for a few moments, and Ollie had to wonder if his friend was thinking the same thing he was — hoping that Callie might still feel that intentions mattered more than omissions when he finally came clean with her.
~ ~ ~
After they reassured Reaves that they'd let him know how things went — whether they got to see Alara and Zia or not — Ollie ended the call.Callie reached for her duffel that he'd set on the ground.He reached for it too, but she was too fast for him, grabbing it with a laugh.
"It's okay, I've got it," she insisted."I was thinking I can make sure my truck starts while you lock up the plane or do whatever you need to do."
He cocked an eyebrow."Do you mean you're going to call Alara while I'm not listening over your shoulder?"
She shrugged and nodded."I can think of several reasons why she might have gotten a headache and needed to pull over for a nap.I just thought it might be better if I talk to her by myself."
"Ah."
She had to laugh at the slightly horrified look on his face."Right.I didn't think about anything like that.I'll go tie the plane down and..."
She was so tempted to ask him what kind ofthathe meant, but that would just be cruel.He already looked uncomfortable enough.
