Page 25 of Tracing Her Stolen Identity
“Thanks,” Reece said, holding up the cup. “It’s been a long few days.”
“Filled with many tense, destructive memories,” Romanadded. “I remember how hard it was not to be overwhelmed by the emotions when I saw Mina for the first time after searching for her for a year. To see how much pain they’re in does something to you here,” he said, pounding his chest.
“My problem seems to be here,” Reece said, pointing at his head. “Always has been since the accident.”
“I know what happened to Skylar from helping Mina on the case, but now I understand that the accident affected you far more than a broken wrist.”
“It was my fault,” Reece said, lowering the cup to the table. “It was the final routine for the event and we thought we had the first-place podium clinched, so we decided to do an easier stunt lift than we’d planned. There was no point in risking the medal by trying something too hard. The stunt was flawless until I found myself on the ground and Sky ten feet away, unable to move.”
Roman sipped his coffee silently while Reece slumped over his coffee mug. “I’m still waiting to hear how it’s your fault.”
“I didn’t catch her!” he exclaimed. “It’s not hard, man.”
Reece noticed Roman blink several times and then opened and closed his mouth twice. “How were you supposed to catch her when you’d been plowed over by a golf cart and had a broken arm?”
“With the other one,” Reece growled.
Roman leaned over the table and folded his hands. “Listen, Reece. I’ve been where you are multiple times while serving in the army. I blamed myself for something I had no control over. Then I worked with Mina for eight years, and on that final day, I let her down. I wasn’t there when she needed me. She was injured and suffered needlessly for an entire year because of my impotence. I’ve learnedfrom my brothers here that it’s normal to feel that way, especially when it’s about the woman you love.”
“Roman, no,” he said with a shake of his head. “It’s not like that. We were childhood best friends, that’s it.”
“Oh, yeah, that’s totally what I see in front of me right now. A man worried about his childhood best friend.”
Reece rolled his eyes. He couldn’t stop it if he tried, because he had no defense when it came to Sky—never had.
“Is Skylar okay?” Roman asked when the silence stretched on.
“She will be, according to Selina. Her catheter was kinked and not draining, causing a dangerous elevation of her blood pressure. That was my fault, too. She had to ride in an awkward position last night after everything that happened. I should have thought of having Selina check her over when we arrived.”
“Was Skylar concerned about it?”
“No. Sky told Selina that it was draining this morning. She just didn’t realize it wasn’t emptying fully.”
“Then I don’t think you can blame yourself for something Skylar controls. All you can do is get her help when she needs it and be there to support her. It seems to me that’s exactly what you’re doing.”
“It’s not enough, man,” Reece said, shaking his head. “I’ll spend the rest of my life knowing I didn’t save her that night. That’s why she pushed me away after high school.”
“Are you sure about that, son?” Cal asked as he walked through the door.
“Hey, Cal. Sorry about the drama. I’ll get back to work here.” Anything to get away from these two men who were mentors, friends and wise beyond their years. He enjoyednothing more than talking with them, but not when it was abouthislife.
“I’m not your boss, son. You don’t have to apologize to me. Besides, the last time I checked, you’ve been doing your job 24-7 for the last few days. Take a break and a breath, or you’ll be no good to anyone, especially the woman who needs you the most.”
Roman motioned at him with his hand while nodding. “Exactly what I’ve been trying to tell him.”
“Secure One, Sierra,” they heard over Cal’s walkie-talkie, and he grabbed it, pressing the button. “Secure two, Charlie.”
“Let Reece know that Skylar’s blood pressure is normal again and her headache has resolved. I need to keep her for at least another hour, but she’s out of the woods.”
Cal pushed the button and held it out for Reece to answer. “Thanks, Selina. I appreciate everything you do.”
“Oh, hey, Reece. It’s no problem. Skylar is napping now that everything has been resolved. The exhaustion isn’t helping the situation, so I want to let her rest for as long as possible. Can you work without her?”
Cal handed him the device and, taking possession of the cold plastic box, straightened Reece’s spine a notch. “Yes, and I’d prefer it that way. The less stress she’s under, the better. Do you agree?”
“From a medical standpoint, absolutely. This is stressful, but if she can get some rest, she may be able to cope with it better.”
“Ten-four,” Reece said. “Keep me posted, but I’ll stop in after I check with Mina.”
