Page 101 of Deserving Lara
Owl nodded. “Pipe?” he asked before his friend left.
“Yeah?”
“I need two things.”
“Name ’em.”
“I need you to find Stone. And talk to Tex. I know he can get the paperwork done fast…when you bring Lara back, I want to marry her.”
Pipe nodded. “I’m doing my best on the first, and I’ll make sure the second is done.”
“Thanks.”
Pipe studied him for a moment, then walked back into the room and over to his bed, putting a hand on Owl’s shoulder. “I’m almost sorry that bastard is dead. I’d kill him slowly this time for what he put you and Stone through. Not to mention Lara.”
Owl nodded. He wanted to kill Grant himself. But he had to be satisfied with the fact that he was dead.
“Henley’s been anxious to talk to you. To make sure you’re all right. This had to bring back some not-so-good memories,” Pipe said.
“Honestly? I was more worried about Lara. I was unconscious for the flight to the island and only woke up right before Grant and Ricky started their shootout. Then I was focused on getting Lara out of there, and after I was shot, the pain kept me fixated on what needed to be done. I’m good, Pipe. Promise. Now I’m just worried about Stone.”
“Yeah.”
“Is there any word? Anything at all?” Owl asked.
“No. It’s as if he disappeared into thin air,” Pipe admitted.
Owl’s lips pressed together in dismay. “Shit.”
“But we’re doing everything we can to find him. And we will. I promise.”
Owl wanted to do his part. But from this hospital bed, he couldn’t do a damn thing. “What’s this about Ryan…?” he asked.
Pipe shook his head. “It’s a story for another time, brother. You’re about to crash. But it’s a doozy. Tiny’s with her, back at The Refuge.”
“She’s okay though?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Thanks for looking after Lara and my son.”
“Can’t believe we’re going to haveanotherbaby at The Refuge in nine months,” Pipe said with a shake of his head and a small smile.
“You could add to that number,” Owl suggested.
“Oh, I will…but first, everyone needs to calm the hell down and stop having crises for us to deal with.”
Owl chuckled. “Amen to that.”
Pipe squeezed his shoulder. “Glad you’re all right. It was a hell of a chance you took with Lara flying that chopper. You’ve told me more than once that it’s difficult as hell.”
“It is, but I wasn’t lying to her. I knew she could do it. I watched her on the sim, Pipe. She was good. Besides…we didn’t have a choice. Therewasnowhere to hide on that island. I didn’t think we’d have time to find a boat, and I didn’t have a weapon. It was a stroke of pure luck that Grant and Ricky were both hotheaded assholes who turned on each other.”
“And we got a free helicopter out of the deal,” Pipe joked.
Owl nodded. “We just need to find Stone so we can enjoy it.”
“We will. I’ll get with Tex and he’ll get the paperwork for your wedding. I’ll be back with everyone and an officiant tomorrow.”
