Page 3 of Securing Samantha

“I didn’t ask you about his condition, I asked you how long she knew my husband lived on the same mountain?” Samantha’s eyes narrowed at Leo.

“She discovered them the same day we returned. She insisted on talking to Saint. She wanted to inform him about Nugget. I demanded she keep it a secret from you and Catherine. The military’s conducting an investigation and Kassie’s helped care for them,” he offered.

“She brought me a phone,” Liam’s scratchy voice responded. “She sent me pictures of you and LJ.”

Samantha seethed because her friend deceived her. When Chase brought Kassie to the mountain, she seemed terrified, and she took her under her wing and made her feel welcome. They grew close, almost like sisters. When Leo called to inform her Kassie left the mountain and needed a friend, she didn’t hesitate to ask LJ’s grandparents to care for her son while she supported her friend. When one of James Stanton’s henchmen held Kassie hostage, she stayed diligently by her side while she recuperated, only leaving when they moved her to a rehabilitation center. She sent encouraging notes when Kassie struggled with depression and anxiety. Chase and the team protected the family and eventually Kassie came out of her shell. Samantha helped Chase propose to her. She held the bridal spa day and Kassie knew how much she missed her husband.

In fact, everyone in the small town knew about her husband. She placed a shrine in her home to ensure LJ never forgot his father died for his country. He risked his life to save others. She told LJ stories. Samantha allowed Liam’s parents to take him for weekends. Liam lived on through LJ. Kassie sneakily sent pictures of them to her husband who wanted nothing to do with her.

Leo stood. “Where’s Ash?”

Liam pointed toward the cabin next door.

The leader nodded. “I’ll tell Claire to come here first. I’ll check in later.”

Whiskey moved closer to the edge of the couch as if his security left him stranded with a crazy woman. In her defense it’s not every day you find out your dead husband is alive and living less than ten minutes from you. She acted a bit weird between shock and the grief of all they missed out on together. Obviously, the discomforted man suffered from a huge ordeal. Her eyes raked over him checking for infections, wounds, and signs of anything cluing her into how he sat next to her. What happened to the man she loved? It didn’t matter. They’d face it together. Liam “Whiskey” O’Neil remained the love of her life, and she received the second chance she always prayed for.

CHAPTER THREE

Claire smiled as she walked into the cabin. Whiskey moved to sit in the chair across from Samantha. He needed to breathe. He felt her anxiety as they waited for Claire to show up.

“I know you have a million questions running through your mind. We’ll take turns to decide where to start. Leo explained how you found out, Samantha. I’m sure you’re shocked. I want to assure you the cabins offered a temporary solution to this situation. Whiskey’s needs at the time required he stay here for his wellbeing and yours. We can delve into the details, but do you want to ask any questions?” Claire asked. Her calming demeanor seemed to relax Whiskey.

“Where did they find you and what happened?” Samantha hesitantly asked.

“They moved us around a lot. We mainly stayed in Afghanistan,” he softly volunteered. “I don’t remember much. I see flashes. I came around the corner and Olaf got shot before an explosion from a grenade. I woke up with a man standing over me tending to my wounds.”

“They told me about the explosion. Didn’t they search for you?” Her mind searched for answers. Leo held responsibility for the team. Why did he leave her husband and presume him dead? Rage grew toward Leo and Kassie.

“What happened to you?” she asked.

“The rebels tortured Whiskey and he suffers from PTSD. I meet with him and we’re discovering his triggers. He survived a horrific ordeal, and he has difficulty discussing it.” Claire came to his rescue.

“Where do we go from here? How do we tell LJ? Oh Liam, LJ and your parents will be thrilled to see you. Your parents supported me all this time. They take our son at least once a month. They haul him camping to all your favorite places. He’ll be excited to go with you since he’s heard all the stories about you when you were his age.”

Whiskey stood and stepped closer to Claire. He seemed almost panicked.

“Why don’t we give Whiskey some time to get used to you and slowly introduce him to the rest of his family? Overstimulation triggers Whiskey. I brought along pamphlets for you to read concerning PTSD. I suggest we continue to hold our private sessions and then add in couple appointments. Samantha, you’ll find some excellent resources available to you in the form of support groups. Chase plans to hold counseling sessions at the hospital and you’re welcome to attend there.” Claire gave her a compassionate smile.

“What do we do now? When can he come home?” Samantha turned toward Whiskey.

“I’m not ready to go to your house. I prefer to stay here,” he told her.

“What can I do to help you?” Samantha licked her lips. Her heart raced. She observed Whiskey’s stance. He made it apparent he didn’t want to go anywhere with her. She didn’t know what to expect. His haunted eyes tore at her heart. She noticed the loose skin hanging from his arms and his stick thin body. She knew they needed to tread carefully, but it still hurt to know the man she loved hesitated to see their son, his parents and her.

“Why don’t we schedule a session tomorrow? Whiskey, why don’t you make a list of questions you might have for Samantha? Then she can answer questions about her life and LJ,” Claire suggested.

Whiskey nodded his head.

“Good. Why don’t I walk you to your car and we can check your schedule?” Claire stood and waited for Samantha to rise from the couch.

Whiskey fidgeted with the belt loop at his waist and refused to meet her gaze.

She swallowed down the hurt wedged into a ball in the back of her throat. She slowly stood and Claire moved to allow her to go out the door first.

She fought the urge to tell Claire to move the hell out of the way and let her talk to her husband alone. They always did everything together. If he needed counseling, fine. She had every intention of supporting him in whatever manner they suggested. Samantha only wanted him to heal and come home to them.

She walked to the hallway where the forgotten supplies lay on the floor. She almost laughed at the symbolism. Catherine and she carried the bags sorted and tagged in order. Their lives resembled the items haphazardly scattered across their floor, completely upended and in shambles.

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