Page 22 of Ethan
When they sight me, they all let out simultaneous sighs of relief. I’m guessing they didn’t believe I was really okay until they set their eyes on me. We share a close bond that most other teams don’t. I think it has to do with the fact that we’ve been through hell together.
Dustin walks forward and throws his arms around me.
“You had us worried sick, E,” he states.
I squeeze his shoulder.
“I know; I’m sorry.”
The rest of them take turns hugging me, and once that’s done, they turn to the other two people in the room.
“And who is this?” Dustin asks flirtatiously when he spots Audra.
Audra rolls her eyes at his tone. I want to tell her he doesn’t mean anything by it, unlike her friend, who is standing way too close to her for comfort.
“I’m Audra. A friend of Ethan’s. We were kidnapped together.”
My teammates look from me to Audra, then back at me again. They’re going to require an in-depth explanation. I ask Greg for permission before leading them into his living room.
Once we’re all seated, I relay the entire story to them. I do leave out all the intimate parts about myself and Audra. That’s information they definitely don’t need to know but can probably guess.
“So let me get this straight…feel free to correct me if I’m wrong,” Sam starts.
“Go on,” I tell him
“You met this girl in an alley while on a stakeout mission. She jumped into a situation she knew nothing about, and in the process of trying to help her, the both of you ended up getting captured. Then a kid that helped you escape died; she got sliced by a knife. The both of you found refuge in a motel, and then you had to come here to her friend’s house. Said friend helped you get in contact with us.”
I nod. “Pretty much.”
“Is she brave or just fucking crazy?” James asks.
It’s then I notice that both Audra and herfriendGreg are nowhere to be found.
Great.
“A little bit of both,” I say in reply to James.
The men chuckle.
“You like her, don’t you?” Dustin asks with a sly grin.
“I’d like to think I’m not that transparent,” I grumble, prompting laughter from all of them.
“We’re glad you’re okay,” Lucas says.
“Yeah, me too,” I say. “So, what’s the plan? Are we going to get these guys or what?”
“Not. The bosses asked us to confirm you were alive before doing anything else. I’ll give them a call,” he says, stepping out of the house.
“So Ethan’s in love as well now? Y’all are dropping like flies,” James says.
“I know right? It seems almost contagious. Keep your love air away from me! I’m not ready yet,” Dustin shouts.
“Idiot,” I say fondly while shaking my head.
I’m not in love with Audra yet. But I am worried about the fact that she and herfriendare off. God knows where doing God knows what.
Lucas walks in a few minutes later.
