Echo-Foxtrot Read Online Free

faded as everything began to float.

4
    Jim, Ailsa, and Staci tucked into the third plate of meatloaf, beans, and mash with as much enthusiasm as they had the first. Mum, Dad, and Nichola sat with them. His parents had eaten one plateful, although Nichola hadn’t even gotten food. Three armed security officers sat at the next table.
    Jim pushed his plate back. “That was wonderful,” he said. “I’m nicely stuffed.”
    “It has been so long since I had what Mum’d term proper food,” Ailsa said.
    “It must be harder for you,” Staci said. “After all that happened on the island with your parents and all.”
    “To be honest, it’s not hard at all. Mum and Dad were never there, not in that sense anyway. It was just me. That part of my life is over. I shan’t forget, but it is time to move on.”
    Dad looked over at her. “Ailsa, do you have any family at all I can contact for you?”
    Ailsa shook her head. “No. It was just my parents and me. I never knew my grandparents and there aren’t any aunts or uncles.”
    “What will you do?” Staci asked.
    “I don’t know. I never really thought beyond this point. I know Jim said he wants me around, but I don’t want to get in the way.”
    “You’re not in the way,” Jim said quickly. “You won’t ever be. I want you with me, one way or the other.”
    “You’ll stay with us,” Mum said decisively. “If you want to, that is. Things have changed. Losing people you love puts things into perspective. We saw a lot of people lose family and everything they own in the last few months and we thought we’d lost Jim and Staci. I don’t intend to lose any of you again. And if you have nowhere to go, then you can have a home with us.”
    “Thank you. I’d like that.”
    Mum nodded. “Good. At least until you get settled and decide what you want to do, if not longer.”
    Airman Trant appeared at the table. “I’ve come to take you three to the infirmary. The doc wants you where she can keep an eye on you for a few nights.”
    General Merrick came across, a look of concern on her face. “Mrs. Benson? The helicopter carrying your daughter is on approach. The doc asked me to prepare you as to Lou’s condition.”
    Nichola looked up. “I thought they said she was stable?”
    “Things are worse than we first thought. Lou is seriously ill. The doc is concerned about the massive infection in her leg. They had to do CPR at least once.”
    Nichola paled and sank back in her chair. “No,” she gasped.
    General Merrick put a hand on Nichola’s shoulder. “We will do all we can. I have the best surgeons in the Air Force here.” A helicopter could be heard outside. “That’s them. She needs to go straight to surgery. If you want to see her, it has to be now.”
    Jim got up. “Can I come too, please?”
    Nichola nodded.
    Dad stood. “I’ll go with and catch up with you guys in the infirmary.” He looked at his wife. “Make sure they don’t get lost en route, Di.”
    Mum held his gaze. “I don’t intend to let them out of my sight.”
    Jim ran with them to where the helicopter had just landed. They stood in the doorway and watched as a second medical team swooped on it and deftly put the stretcher onto the waiting trolley. They ran with it towards the building, Jack running with them.
    As they drew level with General Merrick, she halted them.
    Nichola gasped as she saw Lou lying motionless, tubes and wires everywhere. Her eyes moved downwards until she saw Lou’s red and swollen leg. “Lou, what have you done, baby?”
    “We’ll do what we can,” Dr. Andrews promised and they ran on towards the OR.
    Jack slid a hand into Nichola’s. “They’ll take good care of her, Nicky.”
    “Is she OK?” she asked, her gaze lingering on the vanishing med team.
    Jack shook his head. “She’s pretty sick. But she’s in good hands. I’ve been praying constantly the whole flight home. I know God heard me. He’ll do what is best for her.” He ran a finger down