Page 43 of Thin Ice

The cargo door on the Stallion was open and waiting for them. Wally drove in followed by the car. He hopped out. The cargo door closed and within seconds the chopper was airborne amongst an onslaught of gunfire.

The chopper reached flight height and took off toward the border.

“Welcome to Canada, everyone.” Josh announced with a smile.

Abby blew out a huge breath. Was it possible they were finally safe?

She went back to Brookes. “We’re almost there.” She smiled at him and reached for his hand.

The chopper ate up the air as they flew toward their new home. Abby’s knees felt weak. She closed her eyes and prayed for safe passage the rest of the trip.

“Relax, babe. God’s got this.”

She opened her eyes and saw Brookes smiling at her.

Josh came over to where they were. “It’s only a short trip. It’s best if you stay put. The less movement the better until we can get you to the hospital at the compound.”

Brookes nodded. “I’m fine with doing nothing for a change.”

“Copy that.” Josh checked Brookes’s vitals. Something grabbed his attention. “Excuse me for a second.” He stepped out of the vehicle and spoke to someone.

Abby followed. “What’s going on?”

Josh turned from speaking to Wally. “We’ve got company. Two fighters are flanking us.”

Abby’s heart sank. “Oh no.” She started toward the front of the chopper when Josh stopped her.

“Ma’am, you’ve fought a valiant fight, but now it’s our turn. Let us handle this. You go be with that brave man back there. Let us do what we do best.”

Letting go of the reins was hard, but if they were to die in this aircraft, then she wanted to spend every single moment remaining with Brookes.

???

Her face said it all. Legion had found them.

Abby sank down beside him. Tears hovered in her eyes.

“Tell me,” he prompted when she was silent.

“There are two fighter jets on either side of us. We’re so close, Brookes.” The tears fell from her eyes. “How can God let this happen to us after everything we’ve been through?”

Brookes grabbed her hands, and her attention snapped to him. “No, babe. God has brought us this far. He won’t let us down now.”

She leaned her head against their clasped hands. She had doubts, but now he had none. That dream played through his head. Just as sure as he loved Abby, he was certain the dream was sent from God.

The door opened. Josh rushed inside. His wide eyes.

“What is it?” Brookes asked.

“It’s not Legion’s fighters; it’s ours. The Air Force has sent a jet to escort the president to Strike Force headquarters.”

Abby’s head shot up. “We’re safe?”

Josh’s smile widened. “We’re safe.”

She turned to Brookes. “You never lost hope. I’m sorry I did.”

He kissed her hands. “We all lose hope sometimes, babe. You’ve picked me up enough times in the past. It was my turn.”

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