I’m going through my suitcase trying to figure out what to wear to rescue little girls, while my pulse beats erratically. If I were my patient, I’d order them to meditate or seek therapy, and probably prescribe an anti-anxiety med. All of that will have to wait. I don’t even have time to meditate right now. Tony and the guys should be here soon, and I want to see what weapons the Browns might let us borrow for our search and rescue operation.
That’s it. Maybe if I just look at it as another mission, I can relax a bit. Depersonalize it. Is that even a word? Probably not, but hell, it’s my best option to dial back on the panic before my heart beats out of my chest. If I’m this much of a wreck when Tony sees me, he’ll never let me go with them. And news flash, it will be a frigid day in hell before he leaves me behind.
Is there a possibility that we will be too late, that we would always be too late? Sure. I’m not living in a fantasy world. I know how child abduction works. Realistically, Mellie and I were the exception because they found us alive. But somehow, I know they’re still alive and are waiting to be rescued. I couldn’t tell you how I know, but I’m as sure of it as I am of my name.
Still contemplating my clothing choices, I’m so focused that when Mellie opens the door, she scares the hell out of me. “For fuck’s sake, warn a girl next time.” So much for trying to calm down. I don’t need to take my pulse to know it’s way too fast.
“Sorry. I knocked first. I didn’t hear the shower so I figured you heard me.” Mellie opens her bag on the other bed. “So, what do we wear to a rescue?”
“Funny you should say that. I’m wondering the same thing.” Releasing a sigh, I grab a pair of dark jeans and a black T-shirt. “I’m going to wear this. Not noticeably burglar-ish, but not bright enough to stand out either.”
“Not my usual choice of fashion, but I can go with early break-in style. Who knows? Maybe we’ll start a trend.What the modern-day woman wears for rescues in 2026.”
“You’re funnier than I realized,” I say as I pull on my jeans and shirt. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I put on my socks and sneakers, mentally thanking past me for packing them.
“I’ll have to give you one of my books. My readers think I’m quite snarky,” she says as she digs through her suitcase. “Will forest green work? I don’t have a black shirt with me. I doubt my mom will either. She likes her bright colors. I think it’s an old woman thing, but don’t tell her I said that.”
“My lips are sealed.” I make the zipper motion in front of my mouth. Maybe I just need to hang around her more. My blood pressure has gone down, and I’m acting borderline silly—not like me at all. “Just so you know, we’re going to have to fight with them to let us come.”
“Yeah, I figured as much. I’ll lose my ever-loving mind if I have to say here and wait to see what happens. Nope, not happening. They can whistle Dixie till the cows come home and I ain’t backing down,” she sasses, amping up her drawl and cocking her hip.
It’s so funny, I burst out laughing. It’s kind of remarkable, actually, since less than five minutes ago I was on my way to a full-fledged panic attack.
“Thank you, Mellie,” I say sincerely. She just pulled me back from the abyss without even knowing it.
“Umm you’re welcome? But what did I do?” she asks as she pulls her shirt over her head.
“You helped me stop spiraling. I was on the verge of a panic attack when you drove it away with your shenanigans.”
“But I’m just being me.” Her brows draw together and she pulls her lower lip between her teeth. She almost seems offended.
“I know, but I love you being you. I need more of that in my life, I think. Just saying.” I hope it’s enough to soothe her ruffled feathers.
“Well okay then. I guess I don’t need to bless your heart now.” She smirks.
“Nope, I’d prefer you don’t,” I snap back, grinning at her. All dressed, I grab my brush and pull my hair back into a ponytail, then add the pins I use to keep it in a tight bun for work. It’s a habit I started in basic training and it’s stuck with me.
“You look like you mean business,” Mellie remarks as she pulls her hair into a high ponytail on the back of her head. “Is this okay or should I do it up like yours?”
“You’re fine. We just don’t want it in the way of whatever happens. Speaking of, do your parents have any weapons we could use? Guns, hunting knives? Since the guys had to flythey probably won’t be armed like they normally would for a mission.”
“I’m sure Daddy has a couple of hunting rifles and a knife or two around here. I doubt he’d mind considering what we’re borrowing them for.”
“Good. Are you ready?”
“Sure am. Shall we go scavenging? Mom will know where he keeps them now.”
“Perfect. I am terrified of being back there, that it’s going to trigger memories I won’t have control over, but I’m hoping my overwhelming need to save those girls will help.”
Mellie squeezes my shoulder. “Providence, you’re a doctor. I know when it comes down to it, you’ll be at your best. I don’t doubt it for a minute.”
I pray she’s right.
Trudy is in the kitchen when we get back downstairs. I’m thinking she never leaves it, but I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut.
“Hey, Mom. Where does Daddy keep his hunting stuff? You know, rifles, hunting knives, whatever else he might have.”
“Why are you asking?” Trudy looks up from cutting up vegetables.
