Page 94 of Crucible
The world could be on the cusp of total ruin, and the only way to save it would be to let Aurelia George go, and I would still let it burn. I know my brothers feel the same.
If we’re the hand, fuel, and match, she’s the friction to set it all aflame.
“What’s going on?” Thorin asks the moment we step into the command tent.
There are several tents around the camp for barracks, medical aid, supplies, armory, and food. I swear the older man scouring maps at the center of the largest one grows ten years older each day we don’t find Aurelia. Sheriff Kelly is too kind not to care as if it was his own daughter missing, and for the space of a heartbeat, I do feel guilty because we’re the reasonhe’s probably lying awake at night, kicking himself for not doing enough.
The blame lies with us and no one else, but for the first time, I realize it’s everyone else who will shoulder it.
“We just got word there’s a nasty squall line headed this way. I’m moving everyone into town until it passes.”
Keeping in character, I ask, “What about the search?”
“We’re going to have to call it off for a few days, son. It’s too dangerous, and we don’t need anyone else going missing or getting hurt.”
“A few days? The princess won’t last a few more days, Sheriff.”
“And if she’s dead,” I add, “her body will be buried under too much snow to ever find.”
“I know, boys. It’s a tough break, but I’m also accountable for the men and women who volunteered. They all have families who want to see them home safely, too.” When we all just glower, Sheriff Kelly sighs. “Look, I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing. I tried to radio before you left, but no one answered.”
Thorin and I share a glance, and I know we’re thinking the same thing. We had our hands too full with Aurelia to check the damn radio.
“Don’t sweat it, Sheriff. Our frozen nuts just have us a little grumpy.”
Sheriff Kelly chuckles. “Well, it’s the perfect reason to head on home then, boys. Hole up, stay warm, and find a way to pass the time. We’re going to get hammered pretty hard, but if anyone can ride it out, it’s you three.”
I’m already nodding my agreement with that plan when I notice what looks like a pile of junk stacked on one side of the tent.
“What’s this?”
“We dug those up near the crash sites and brought them here. It looks like luggage. Most of it’s destroyed, but some of it’s good. Figured America’s sweetheart would want a little comfort when we find her.”
Indeed.
But she’ll have to earn it like everything else.
One of the deputies arrives with some emergency, and Sheriff Kelly excuses himself before leaving the tent.
Seth and I walk over to the salvage pile as soon as he’s gone while Thorin keeps watch. It’s taken our whole lives and nine years stuck in seclusion together to be in sync like this without even saying a word.
“Exactly how long was her uncle planning to keep her exiled?” I gripe ten minutes later while searching through yet another dented trunk full of clothes and shoes. “This is a lot of shit, and barely any of it’s useful out here.”
We’re taking a huge chance that this stuff hasn’t been inventoried yet, so we have to be careful not to take too much so the missing items won’t be noticed.
“Don’t know,” Thorin says with his back to us. “But I think Seth was on to something. Her uncle probably wanted her out of his hair for a while.”
“Or permanently,” Seth mumbles as he studies Aurelia’s flat iron like it’s a foreign object.
“She’ll want that,” I tell him. He nods and stuffs it inside the large duffel bag we’re using to carry her things back. I’m already picturing the look on her face when we show her. Although it’s Aurelia. It’s hard to predict how she’ll react. She’s as likely to chuck the flat iron at Seth’s head than she is to show a little gratitude. “And lay off with the murder plots. You’re just looking for a reason why she can’t go back to him.”
“Don’t need a reason. I’m crazy, remember?”
“Seth, you’re not crazy,” I tell him. “You’re…you.”
“Thanks,” he returns dryly.
“And if you’re crazy, so are we,” Thorin says. “Because we’re not letting anyone take her from us without killing anyone who tries. Agreed?”
