Page 2 of Rescuing Ryder

“Thank you, Tex. Our facility accepts patients based on their needs and whether we’ll be a good fit for them. I’m happy to give you a tour if you can tell me what day you’ll arrive,” she told him cheerfully.

“I’m arriving today. Will you be able to accommodate me? I can be there around 1600.” His computer keys clicked as he pulled up Chase and Kassie Winters’ background checks.

“My husband, Dr. Winters, will meet with you and give you the tour. I can join you after my appointment’s finished. Is your friend a teen or a veteran?”

“He’s a veteran,” he informed her, distracted by the information he pulled up on the couple.

“Our receptionist will greet you in the living room when you arrive. We look forward to meeting you,” she replied. “Do you know of any requirements or special accommodations your friend might need? I’ll try pulling specific information for you about his needs.”

Tex sighed. “Honestly, my friend has tried several different therapies without success. I’m hoping you offer something different. I appreciate you taking me at such short notice.” He rummaged around his desk for pen and paper.

“No problem. Have a good day,” she replied before hanging up.

Tex walked to his room and watched Melody pack. “I can catch a flight at 1400. If you can drop me off around 1200, you and Akilah will still have time to grab lunch and shop.”

“I packed two shirts, underwear, jeans and stuff for your leg. Will you need more than this?”

“I doubt it. If Ice can convince Patch to go, we’ll act fast before he changes his mind. Thank you for packing for me.” Tex sat on the edge of the bed and read the text from Wolf.

Ice reached Patch.I’ll update you when we arrive.

Tex replied. I’m flying to Seattle at 1400.

The knotslowly unfurled from his stomach as he read the message. He hoped this hospital offered something different from the military ones Patch previously stayed in. Throwing in his toothbrush, deodorant, and toothpaste, he went back to his office to research the couple who founded the hospital. Determined to help his friend, he wanted to learn everything about them and the facility. The story of Dr. Winters’ family and their dream for the mountain filled the first page. Of course, Tex planned to dive deeper into the story. His friend’s life was at stake, and he refused to give up.

CHAPTER TWO

Patch glanced at the number flashing across his phone. He silently cursed Tex as he tipped his head back, closed his eyes, and pinched his nose.

“Hello, Caroline,” he answered.

“Hello, Ryder. Wolf and I flew into Norfolk for a wedding and decided to take a few days to visit Williamsburg. Tex said you lived close to the area, and I wondered if you might volunteer as a tour guide?”

“Did Tex call you, Ice?”

“Does it matter if he called? We’re all concerned about you,” she admitted softly.

“I hope you didn’t leave the wedding for me. It’s been a rough couple of days. I’m sure Tex overreacted and called you. I don’t need a babysitter. I promise.”

“Good. I only babysit my friends’ kids. What do you say? Can you play tour guide? The weather’s beautiful and we can enjoy the fresh air and walk the streets of our forefathers. The wedding turned out lame. The groom’s mother decided her son’s wedding provided the perfect opportunity to display her talent for singing. Wolf already scouted out possible exit routes and formed a plan to execute on my word.”

Patch chuckled. “I bet he did. How did you talk him into a monkey suit anyway?”

“Duh, sex, I promised lots of sex,” she giggled.

“Let me talk to your husband, Ice,” he ordered as he shook his head.

“You’re on speakerphone,” she replied.

“What’s up, Patch?” Wolf’s strong, confident voice came over the phone. He used to feel the same way.

“I take it Tex called you and I should expect you’ll arrive at my door any minute.” Patched sighed.

“It’s more like thirty, but we’ll see you shortly. Caroline found a coffee shop near you and bought a book for the trip. How about we chat and grab some dinner with my wife?”

“Are we pretending you’re asking me? Bring Ice with you. There’s nothing to say that I haven’t said before.”

“You always have a choice, but we’re your friends and sometimes you need to hash things out before they begin to feel better,” Wolf encouraged him. “You experienced something horrific, and eighteen months to heal physically and mentally isn’t a long time, Patch.”

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