Laurel surveyed the assembled mess of rescue vehicles and police cars that lined the road’s edge. She chewed on her thumbnail, searching until she finally caught sight of the truck pulling in at the end of the row of cars. It was white, making it easier to spot the DOT logo on the side.
She rushed for the car just as a man got out and came forward.
“Gerald,” she said, half-relieved but half-nauseous with nerves.
“Laurel,” Gerald greeted her. In that one word was a small thread of warmth. He’d been the nicest man she’d worked for and the friendliest, still careful to keep a professional distance but willing to relax. To talk and joke with her. He was the only boss she’d ever had that let her forget she was a woman in a man’s workplace. For that, she was grateful and held a soft spot for him.
He frowned when she got closer and cast a glance at the work crews assembled. “What’s the status?” he asked. “Is it bad?”
Search and Rescue went in about twenty
poachers. This party was a group of
face on. If Gerald only knew she was more worried about the Search and Rescue crew, specifically their
still unclear,” she
She ignored it, knowing he was upset
be on vacation. I told Scott not to worry you. You should get some rest. Enjoy your last night off
with a look and unease
her toward his truck, away from the crowd.
it?” she
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