Page 1 of Rescuing Ryder

CHAPTER ONE

Dialing the phone for the tenth time, Tex rubbed his hand over his face. Patch worried him more than he cared to admit. After two intensive therapy admissions, group sessions, and calling in favors, he struggled to get through to his friend. Frustration got the better of him as he hung up the phone and redialed the number.

“Damn it, pick up, you stubborn ass,” he swore into the phone, almost willing Patch to answer if only to come back with a smart-ass response.

“Don’t you take a hint? When someone doesn’t answer, they don’t want to talk,” Patch angrily replied.

Relief filled him as Tex heard his friend grouse over the line. “If you answered the first time, I wouldn’t bug you half as much.”

A heavy sigh came over the phone. “Tex, you’re a good friend. I’m sorry; not everyone can be saved. I know this firsthand. Please stop pestering me.”

“I can be on a flight this afternoon. I’m not giving up on you,” Tex growled.

The deafening silence over the phone gave away more than words. “Thanks for not giving up on me. You, Wolf, and theteam, I appreciate everything,” Patch thanked him before the line went dead.

Tex slammed down his phone. Melody rubbed his back consolingly.

“Where’s Patch staying? Can we drive to him?”

“No. But Wolf and Ice attended a wedding in Virginia, not too far from him.” Tex picked up the phone and dialed Wolf.

“Hey Tex, I didn’t expect to hear from you.”

“I’m calling in a favor. It’s Patch. He’s in trouble and spiraling,” Tex replied.

“What’s his location?”

“He’s in Newport News, about forty-five minutes from your location. I hate to ask since you’re there for a wedding, but I’m concerned. Something doesn’t feel right.” Tex sent the address as he spoke with his friend.

“We left the wedding and discussed visiting Colonial Williamsburg. We’ll check in on Patch. I’ll ask Ice to give him a call. You know he won’t refuse one of the women.”

“I’m concerned he’s not getting whatever he needs from the medical facilities. There’s a new one I’ve heard good things about outside of Seattle. If you check on Patch, I’ll fly out this afternoon and check out the place. Patch won’t be an easy sell. He’s given up. Hopefully, this place is as good as I’ve heard.”

“Don’t worry. We’re in the car and on our way to him,” Wolf replied.

Sighing in relief, Tex nodded to Melody. “I appreciate it. Let me know when you arrive and if Ice can work her magic.” He disconnected the call and rose from his chair.

“Why don’t you make arrangements for your flight and set up a meeting with the facility while I pack your bags? Akilah and I planned to go dress shopping for the school dance. We can drop you off if you can book it for this afternoon, or we can shop tomorrow,” Melody cupped his face with her handsand smoothed the worry lines away. “Patch holds a great deal of respect for Wolf and Ice. He’ll answer their call. You’ll need to figure out how to get him to agree to another hospital. After his last experience, he’ll come up with a ton of reasons why he doesn’t need another stint in a facility.”

“This phone call felt different; he seemed almost resigned and spoke as if everything was final,” he sighed.

“Then we’ll change his mind. Make your calls while I pack for you,” Melody softly kissed him before leaving to pack his things.

Returning to his computer, Tex searched for the Winters Foundation Hospital. The website popped up, showing the outside of the facility. It didn’t resemble a hospital as much as it did a large log cabin. The front porch appeared welcoming, with brightly colored plants in flower boxes and pots. A giant flag waved in the wind centered in the circular driveway. A stunning view of the mountains surrounded the facility, which exuded tranquility and peace. Pictures of veterans and staff enjoying picnics, the physical therapy room, and therapy groups filled the page. Even the cafeteria resembled a larger version of a kitchen. On the next page were photos of teens working alongside the veterans. It surprised him to see images of veterans teaching kids life skills. Locating the number, he placed the call.

“Hello. You’ve reached the Winters Foundation. My name is Kimberly. How may I help you?”

Tex smiled at the happy, chipper voice on the other end. The receptionist seemed young, and he wondered if she participated in one of the teen programs the hospital website boasted about. This place already felt different.

“Hello, may I please speak with Chase or Kassie Winters, please?”

“I can connect you to Kassie Winters; please hold.”

A few minutes later, a woman came on the line.

“Hello, Kassie Winters, speaking. How may I help you?”

“My name is Tex. I’ve heard of your facility and wanted to know if I could arrange a tour and meet with you or your husband. I have a friend in need, and I’ve heard great things about your work.”

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