Page 117 of No Fear

It was quiet in the condo. He didn’t usually like quiet, but today he welcomed it. Going back to the Farm had been good. Sam had been right. As always. It was good being back with the team, even if only training. Things were looking up. The improvement in his sight had lit a fire under him. Now, all he needed was Charlie.

“SIRI, call Charlie cellphone.”

He waited as it rang, not expecting her to answer. She didn’t. He sat back and talked to her voicemail.

***

“ARE YOU SURE YOU STILL want to do this?” Martin asked.

Charlie smiled at his concern.

“Yes, I’m good. Stop worrying. If Ambassador Clarkson is still there, then I’m OK to be there, too. Plus, you said if things get worse, the military will escort us out.”

“Hopefully, it won’t come to that. The ambassador is making some progress and the last shipment of aid was distributed to the people. It’s a step in the right direction.”

“She is a good negotiator.”

“One of the best. OK, I’ve emailed you your flight details. Good luck and stay in touch.”

“I will. Thanks, Martin.”

She ended the call and looked at the glaring red star against the voicemail icon on her phone. She knew it was Donnie, having ignored the call.

“Lunch is ready!” Maddie called out and Charlie entered the kitchen.

She’d slept better last night. When she had turned up on Maddie’s doorstep unannounced and sobbing, Dave had taken the kids to his parents’ place and stayed there, so she and Maddie could have some uninterrupted time.

It had been exactly what she needed. Maddie had listened and held her while she cried. She hadn't tried to offer any advice or opinions, and Charlie was grateful for that. She needed time to let it all sink in. Her head was still spinning, but the tears had finally stopped. The initial shock had worn off and she was calmer.

“Thank you,” Charlie said. Maddie placed a plate in front of her with a sandwich and potato chips. Her stomach growled in appreciation. Yum.

“Everything sorted with work?” Maddie asked.

“Yes. I’ll have this and get out of your hair. I need to go home and pack some things before heading to the airport.

“Sounds like a plan Where are you off to this time?”

Charlie’s phone rang, distracting her. She picked it up expecting to see Donnie’s name. Her eyes widened when she saw it was Sophie.

“It’s Sophie. I told you about her and the ladies,” she said to Maddie, putting it on speaker as she answered.

“Hi, Sophie. Is something wrong? Is Donnie OK?” She tried to keep the alarm out of her voice. Damn, she should have listened to his voicemail. What if something happened?

“Hi, Charlie. Donnie is fine. Sorry. Didn’t mean to worry you.”

Her shoulders sagged in relief. “No, it’s fine. I’m not with him and well...”

“I know you’re not. Look. I’m here with Kelly, Mira and Diane.” Hellos echoed through the line. “We were concerned and wanted to talk to you.”

“Oh.” She didn't know what to say. She looked at Maddie who was smiling warmly. “Erm. OK. I’m here with my best friend, Maddie. You’re on speaker.”

More hellos came through the phone.

“I’m glad you’re not alone,” Sophie said. “I don’t know what happened between you and Donnie, and you don't need to tell us. We just wanted to offer our support in any way we could.”

“We did warn you; you were one of us now,” Kelly added.

Charlie had thought she was done with tears, but her eyes brimmed at their concern. These women cared.