Then there’s the very real fear that those helicopters are media and not rescue. If they are, then this will be a frenzy that I’m not ready to deal with.
“Elliot?” I call, and he stops. “When we get to that clearing, I need you to take her.”
His face scrunches. “Why?”
I hate this part of my life. “If I’m photographed carrying her, people will write stories and make up their own version of what happened.”
He nods quickly. “I understand.”
The thing is, it’s not about Brenna or anything. She would understand and never jump to conclusions. It’s more the optics that would make it seem as if the pilots weren’t as heroic as they have been. I don’t need or want glory. I just want us all saved.
“I swear, I’m not trying to be a dick.”
Jessica touches my face. “No one thinks you are. We’ve been flying celebrities for years. Just know that if we had to go down, I’m glad it was with you.”
I laugh when nothing about this is funny. “Thank you.”
And then her head falls back, and she becomes limp in my arms.
The helicopter rescue pilot lifts off the ground, and the EMTs work on Jessica as the three of us try to warm up under the blankets they gave us. “We’re glad we found you guys before the storm came in,” the helicopter pilot says over the headsets.
I nod, no longer able to speak. I watch as they stick tubes and needles into her. She almost awoke right before the clearing but it was just slurring and then it was back to absolute silence.
“Is she going to be okay?” Jose asks.
The EMT gives him an apprehensive look. “We’re close to a hospital, and we’ll do our best.”
That’s not exactly the answer I was hoping for.
“How long was she unconscious for?” the EMT asks.
“About thirty minutes. She was talking and then she passed out. She hit her head hard during the crash.” We did everything we could to wake her, but she hasn’t stirred at all.
“Have our families been notified?” Elliot questions.
“It’s been all over the news, but yes, they know we found the plane and were searching the area. Once we had you on board, another message was sent.”
I lean my head back, wondering what the hell everyone has been going through. I wouldn’t let myself think of them. My brothers, sisters-in-law, Brenna, and the kids. I just had to pretend none of them existed, which made me more grateful for my skills than I had ever been before. There was pain, and there was the want to throw things and wail, but it wasn’t the time.
Now that the last nine hours are behind us, it feels like a fucking movie. It doesn’t feel like I just lived it, and all I want is for this to end so I can go home.
To her.
The pilots talk about protocol and what will happen, but I tune it out. My head is a mess, and I can’t listen to the next steps. Not now.
The helicopter lands on the top of the hospital, and there’s a team of doctors rushing toward us. They take Jessica first, wheeling her inside as a few hang back to help us off.
“Mr. Arrowood, you’re with me.”
I nod and follow the doctor.
We head into a room, but I see the flashes of cameras from the hallway. Thankfully, there’s a partition up, leaving only a very small possibility they saw me. The door closes and the examination begins. He looks me over thoroughly, checking for any signs of physical injuries and asking a ton of questions that I’m honestly too tired to answer.
“Jacob?”
I look up. “Yeah?”
“Everything looks okay, but we’re going to run tests. I need to make sure there’s nothing other than the bruises that are covering your side.”
“Do you know how far we walked?”
The doctor shakes his head. “I know it was pretty far. You weren’t close to the wreckage, but your pilots knew the best way to get rescued with knowing the plane was unstable from the leaking fuel. You’re all very lucky.”
“Not all of us. The flight attendant, Jessica, she was pretty hurt.”
He releases a heavy sigh. “Our team is working on her and are doing everything they can. For now, we need to get you taken care of.”
“Right.”
A nurse enters with a phone. “Mr. Arrowood, this phone is for your personal use so you can call your family.”
I laugh once, and her brow raises. “I don’t know their numbers.”
She smiles softly. “Is there anyone’s number you do know?”
I nod and take the phone. “Thanks.” And then I dial Catherine’s number and know she’ll get everyone in touch with me.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Brenna
My body is shaking and not just from the exertion from running all the way back from the gravesite to the house. Nerves are wreaking havoc on my body. Twice now, my cup of tea has been refilled, but I have no recollection of it.
They found the plane about three hours ago, but it was empty.
I’ve prayed so hard. More than I ever have in my life. I just want him back safely. No matter what happens with us. I need him to be okay. One less loss in my life.
The search party was narrowing down the area they thought they’d go based on what was found in the plane. Not that I have any idea what the hell that means. Did they leave a message? Plans? A diagram? Was there any blood there or a body found?
No one will tell us anything. I’m losing my mind and just want answers.
Catherine arrived just after the news dropped. She was still in the area and is with the brothers, talking about possibilities and how to handle it as well as being a great support to all of us. They’re going over what information she was last told, but I can’t listen anymore. I understand that they need to strategize for whatever the outcome is, but I know what the reality of him being gone will look like.
Hell.
Alone.
Depression and a never-ending heartache that will destroy my heart for good.
Losing Jacob will be like missing my breath, and I can’t live without air.
“Brenna, breathe,” Ellie coaxes. “I know you’re worried, but you’re going to make yourself sick, honey.”
I look into her eyes, feeling helpless. “If he’s hurt . . .”
“We can’t go down that road.” Her hand rests on my shoulder. “Just stay on the one we’re on. They found the plane, and when they find them, we’ll be notified. Why don’t you try to rest? The kids are passed out, and you look like you’re exhausted.”
She must be out of her mind. “Could you sleep if it was Connor?”
Understanding fills her eyes. “I’ll get you caffeine.”
I smile at my friend. “Thanks.”
Ellie starts to walk away, but my hand grips her wrist. “If something happens. If they . . . if they find him . . . I know I’m not his wife or anything . . .”
She shakes her head. “You’ll be there, Brenna. The thing about these brothers is that they put the needs of each other first. Connor, Declan, or Sean would give up their seat for you. I know you think that, just because you haven’t been around that long, they wouldn’t, but they would. Jacob loves you, and they know that. No matter how this turns out, you’ll be there because it’s what Jacob would want.”