Page 3 of Rescuing Ryder

“Stop calling me Patch. I didn’t ‘patch’ anyone up. I can’t live up to my moniker. I didn’t save my best friend. I endured watching his wife and two small kids fall apart at his funeral. Why did he die while I lived? Everyone says time heals all wounds, but it doesn’t. I’m here to tell you I have a big, gaping hole in my chest, and no amount of therapy will fix it.”

“We all go into this job knowing the risks. Everyone on your team knew it. I know it doesn’t take away the pain of watching them suffer and die. Think about it, Patch. What did Gunner and your teammates expect from you?” Wolf asked.

The words of his best friend echoed in his ear. It’s your job to live a life worthy of us.“They’d want me to go on. When Iclose my eyes, all I see are their faces while they senselessly died. What happened to our backup? Why didn’t they find us sooner?”

“We may never know the answers to those questions. We can’t play the ‘what if’ game. Nothing good comes from it. You’re here and they’d want you to go on with your life and find happiness. You do it for yourself, but you do it for them, too. You carry them with you every damn day,” Wolf emphatically replied.

“I can’t do this anymore, Wolf. The hospitals, the treatments, and the drugs, they don’t work. All I see are the ghosts of the past. Slater’s wife found out about her pregnancy and gave birth to a little girl he’ll never know. Oreo’s daughter graduated high school with honors and he missed it. Gummy’s son got married. I stared at the damn empty place setting with the red, white, and blue ribbon tied to the empty chair all night. Why do they even do it? It’s a stupid gesture and makes everyone feel like shit.”

“It’s honoring their loved one. Letting them know they saved a place in remembrance of someone special. They allowed life to move on. We’ll get you there.”

“I’m taking a shower. I’ll see you soon.” He disconnected the call. Wolf said everything he heard a thousand times before. Picking up his weapon, he released the magazine and cleared the chamber. He put it back in the lockbox and scooped up the bullet. Holding it up to his forehead, Ryder closed his eyes.I’m sorry I’ve let you down, Gunner. I’ve tried to find a reason to go on.He didn’t want to see the pitiful glances, the worried faces, or listen to another lecture. Yet something stopped him from pulling the trigger. For his life, he couldn’t figure out the reason.

CHAPTER THREE

Kassie Winters walked with her daughter, Emma, to her husband’s office. Matthew, Whiskey and Chase bent their heads over the documents on the desk.

“I hope we aren’t disturbing you,” she addressed the men. “Chase, I received a late tour request. A man by the name of Tex called. He wants to check out the facility for a friend of his. He asked to speak to one of us. I’m taking Em and Melody to dance class and will return in an hour.”

Chase smiled at his wife as he approached his daughter. “Hey, Ladybug, are you excited for dance class?”

“Yes, we’re practicing for the recital. Nugget’s coming, too. She forgot her dance clothes. Uncle Saint’s taking her home to change and then staying to watch us.”

Chase glanced at his wife. “Did you want to stay? I can watch Tori.”

Matthew and Whiskey exchanged smiles. The couple recently returned home after adopting a baby girl.

“Catherine’s watching Tori and Grace while I stay with Em.” She kissed his cheek. “You can wait for cuddles after she wakes. I’m trying to keep her on a schedule.”

“Did Tex give his last name?” Matthew asked.

“No, he didn’t. Usually, when people want tours, they ask for the social services coordinator. He specifically asked for us and he sounds military. He didn’t say much or request specific information for his friend. Something about him made me say yes.”

Matthew grinned. “Doc, do you mind if I wait for your visitor to show up? I know a Tex and he doesn’t work through the normal channels to make an appointment.”

Chase shrugged, “Of course, I’ll check on my patients and ask the front desk to notify me when he arrives. Do you want to grab a snack while you wait? Bryanna made some new desserts and the afternoon delivery will arrive in ten.”

The men picked up their documents and gave a chin lift as they left for the kitchen.

Tex enteredthe facility and arched a brow at the cheerful reception area. It resembled a giant living room equipped with a television, two full bookshelves, three sofas, and an assortment of recliners stationed around the area. A desk sat in the corner with a smaller version beside it. A young woman sat behind the larger one, and a teen accompanied her. They smiled as he approached.

“Hello. My name is Tex. I’m here to meet with Dr. Chase Winters,” he addressed them.

The younger woman picked up the phone and began speaking. The older woman greeted him. “Welcome. If you’ll take a seat, Dr. Winters will arrive shortly.”

He wandered over to the bookshelves, noting the titles. Two cases held a selection of teen books his daughter enjoyed reading. The next two held self-help, gardening, mechanics,westerns and romances. He sat in one of the recliners against the wall and watched as patients walked by. Two teens listened as a veteran held a clipboard in his hand, assigning them tasks. Another teen pushed an amputee through the hall. Tex smiled as he heard the man tell the kid a joke, making him laugh. This place already felt different than the other facilities where he sent Patch.

“Hello, Tex,” a familiar voice made him glance up. He grinned and stood.

Matthew smiled and held his hand out.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” an astonished Tex responded as he extended his arm in greeting.

“Kassie mentioned a man called and introduced himself by his first name and I decided to check it out. How’s the family?”

“They’re good. Do you work here?” he asked.

“No. I work for Serenity Securities here on the mountain. Kassie mentioned you’re touring for a friend. I can vouch for the hospital. It’s one of the best.”

---