Page 64 of Holding On to a Hero
Agent Wainwright: I see. So you are unwilling to give me an alibi for the timeframe in question?
Graham: Not if it will help him.
Agent Wainwright: I think it’s you that it would help, ma’am.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Will
Malcolm’s pep talk on anger gave me back some energy, so I entered the airport with a bit of swagger. But by the time I’d waited in line to go through security my lack of sleep and the stress of being shot at – again – was catching up to me. Some Austin-style comfort food went a long way toward helping wrap my brain around everything that had happened and been brought to light in the past several hours. It also had the unfortunate side effect of making me want a nap. Badly.
After eating, I managed to leverage myself up from my chair with only a little difficulty, and then I went shopping. I found one of those light drawstring backpacks with a University of Texas logo on it to keep my new belongings in, along with a matching hat and windbreaker. I’d need a heavier coat when I got to Fargo, but this one was at least loose enough I didn’t have to move my shoulder too much to put it on.
I was able to sleep a little on the plane to Denver. We touched down on time and I made my way quickly to the gate for my connecting flight. My back was really starting to bother me, and I’d forgotten to get any pain meds in Austin. Remembering Malcolm’s instructions, I didn’t stop to buy anything and sat as close to the gate agent as I could in the waiting area.
The flight to Fargo was only about half full. My seat was way in the rear of the plane but luckily I was the only person in my row. Even so, I was only able to doze lightly; my back was screaming for a flat surface to lie down on and my shoulder was pretty unhappy too.
I knew it was too much to hope that the person picking me up from the airport would take me straight to a hotel with a comfy bed and room service. I resolved to stop and get some pain relievers on the way out of the terminal.
On the plus side, the anger Malcolm had encouraged me to find was now front and center. I’d spent my travel time processing his words and working on replacing my natural inclinations toward guilt with anger. I felt strong and empowered. Empowered to do what, I didn’t know, but I was going to empower the shit out of whatever I could to get the shooter behind bars and out of my life.
We finally touched down and I turned on the phone. The text appeared immediately, and I was stunned.
Unknown Number: My darling Will, we just found out u weren’t told I wasn’t in a coma. I was knocked out for a couple of hrs the day u were shot, but I’ve been absolutely fine since then. Please forgive us for not double-checking you knew. THAT ASSHOLE BRIAN IS GOING TO PAY! I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through. Please text when u land and J will tell you the super-secret spy way to get out of the airport incognito. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!! {heart emoji} {kissy face emoji} C
I couldn’t stop the smile from forming on my face. Or the tears from forming in my eyes. I put my hand over my mouth to stifle a sob.
Cole was okay. He wasn’t in a coma. Hehadn’tbeen in a coma. At all. Then I flashed back to Brian beginning to talk to me about keeping something secret but then not actually revealing anything. Ally had come into the room then, I thought.
It was easy to see now that Brian had been supposed to tell me Cole wasn’t in a coma. But he hadn’t. Not in the hospital. Not when I’d called him for updates. Not this morning when he’d sent me on a plane to the other side of the country.Fuck. I’d been through so much emotional upheaval, and for what?
I was happy, so happy. But I was angry too. This anger was even stronger than my anger at the shooter. I felt cheated. Cheated out of weeks of knowing the truth. Cheated out of weeks of not feeling as guilty.
I suddenly realized I was the only person left on the plane. One of the flight attendants was heading my way, probably to see what the fuck I was still doing back here.
I picked up my backpack and stumbled to my feet. The flight attendants looked worriedly at me and I realized I was still crying. “Are you okay? Bad news?” The closest one asked.
“No, uh, no. Uh good news, actually. Great news.” They looked confused, but that was amateur hour compared to what I had going on inside trying to sort out my emotions.
Heedless of anyone following me, I made it to the closest men’s room and locked myself in a stall. I pulled the phone out again and stared at the message. I don’t know how long I stewed about not being told Cole wasn’t in a coma before I had a revelation. Brian wasn’t important. Brian could be dealt with later.
But I was dithering around in a smelly, noisy airport restroom when all I had to do was text Cole back to find outwhere the fuck they were so I could see them!
I held the phone in my trembling hands and typed.
Will: Cole, I’m so happy you’re okay! I’m off the plane. Please tell me how to get to you!!!
Unknown Number: Will, go into one of the shops and buy a new suitcase, a heavy coat and a hat if you have the cash. Get some sunglasses. Put your luggage in the new bag and put on everything else before exiting security. Text me what you’re wearing. Go out to the rideshare pickup point. We’re in a dark green SUV. I’ll flash my lights at you twice. Get in the front passenger seat and act like I’m just your driver and you’ve never met me before. Once we get somewhere safe I’m going to hug the shit out of you - J
Will: Will do! I can’t wait to see you!
I hurried out of the restroom but my phone pinging again multiple times made me pause to check it.
Unknown Number: Hugs are all very nice, but *I’m* planning on giving u something a lot better than a shitty hug once we get u alone!
Unknown Number: I have a mental list of all the things J & I did while we were traveling. We have a lot to catch you up on {eggplant emoji} {raindrops emoji} {peach emoji} {cat emoji}
I was a little confused about the cat, but I could not stop laughing as I visited the sundries shop and bought some water and ibuprofen. The sales clerk looked like she dealt with crazy all day and I didn’t even make the top ten.
