Page 123 of Caged

“Catelyn,” my father paused and waited for my to bring my attention back to him, “It’s not my place to tell you what to do, but I’d like to offer some free advice.”

I tried changing the subject. “You know what they say about free advice?”

“It’s worth what you pay for it,” he answered. We both chuckled. He continued, “Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.”

My judgment was fine, it was my emotions that got me into this mess. If I hadn’t let myself fall for him, I wouldn’t be in this situation.

“I learned that lesson the hard way, and I won’t repeat my mistake.” I didn’t like learning things the hard way, so when I did, the lesson stuck. No one needed to know I fell for Jay.

I told myself I could compartmentalize with the best of them and show up every day and do my job.

But will I be happy?

The sad look on my father’s face seemed out of place. I’d expected him to be proud I’d learned my lesson and happy I wouldn’t repeat it.

Before I could ask, my phone came back to life. Alerts buzzed as all the messages I’d missed screamed for attention.

“Sorry,” I said, getting up to turn the sound off. The pain meds were kicking in, taking the edge off, so moving was easier.

“No need to apologize.”

Inodded as I scanned the messages. Charlie had called and texted. A lot. I opened the text app and scanned her texts, each one more frantic than the last.

“I’m sorry, Dad, I need to call Charlie.”

“Go.”

I hit the call button as I walked to my bedroom.

“Cate, are you okay? I’ve been worried sick.” Her voice was two octaves higher than normal.

“I, uh, there was an issue at work.”

“I know. I called SSI after three days of radio silence.”

“What?” I eased myself onto my bed and reclined against my decorative pillows.

“Don’t sound so shocked. If my best friend goes missing, I start making calls.”

Of course she did. Like me, Charlie wasn’t a sit at home and twiddle-her-thumbs-nervously kind of girl.

We weren’t just Marines, we were warriors, which meant we took action and got shit done.

“How much do you know?” I trusted Charlie with my life, but wouldn’t share more than was necessary. No one needed to hear the ugly details.

“That you and Jaden went missing on assignment. Hold on.” Footsteps sounded in the background, followed by a door closing. “Sorry, I needed to close my door.”

“I can call back if you’re busy.”

“Hell no. This is more important. Jamie texted me after they found you. He said you were in the hospital and your dad was on his way. Asshole wouldn’t tell me anything else.”

I laughed at that. Of all the Sheppards, Jamie was the least deserving of being called an asshole.

“He was just protecting my privacy.” And following the law.

“I know, but I was scared to death.”

“I’m sorry. I’m fine. I promise.”At least I will be in a few weeks. “I would’ve called sooner, but my phone got torched to a crisp and I just now got my new one activated.” I ignored the fact that I could’ve emailed because in all the chaos, I didn’t think of it.

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