Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 99 We had all gathered in the living room once Mike had woken us up with the news of the missing boat. As callous as it sounded, I could have cared less about my missing mother. I was, however, concerned about my guys. They all sat around the living room, faces clouded with worry. Patrick called his parents when we showered and dressed, and they promised to cover immediately. I was sitting between the twins; Josh held my hand while Jake rested his head against my shoulder, fidgeting with my fingers. Jake had the most challenging twith this, and I kept checking on him. Drew, Mike, and Patrick were sitting close together, whispering. When Josh's phone alerted us that Patrick's parents had arrived, I tried to stand to let them in, but Jake tightened his grip on me. The unhappy sound he made causedto cuddle closer to him. Josh leaned over, givinga quick kiss before heading downstairs.

A few minutes later, Shannon entered the living room, her face written with motherly concern. She made her way around the room, stopping to give each of my guys hugs and murmuring words of encouragement. When she got to where Jake and I were cuddled, she sat on the coffee table, cupping Jake's face and patting my hand with the other.

"Oh my loves, Patrick's dads will do everything they can to find your parents." I nodded my head, giving her hand a squeeze of thanks. My worry about Jake and the others took up most of my concentration. Just then, Patrick's dads cin, and Patrick went over to greet them. I know it was silly that i was eighteen and legally an adult, but Patrick's parents being here madefeel like everything would be ok now that the adults were here. Over the next half hour, we all gathered around the dining room table downstairs, and Patrick's fathers began making phone calls while Shannon disappeared into the kitchen. I had tried to go with her, but Jake still wasn't letting go of me, so I just sat with him, offering as much comfort and support as possible.

Conner ended his phone call and went to where Patrick was sitting with Drew, Mike, and Josh, where he began speaking quietly to them. Drew's phone alerted again that someone was at the front door, and Michael stood heading to let in whoever was there. Within minutes, he returned with Jamie and Sean on his heels. Sean waited by the door while Jamie went to speak with Patrick and Conner before coming over to me. He sat besidein an empty chair, resting his hand on my shoulder.

"I promise we will find them, lass," He said quietly.

Thank you, Jamie, for all your help. I hope the boat is found for the guys sake.

Jamie stood, giving my shoulder a final squeeze before returning to Patrick and Conner. Shannon cin a few minutes later, followed by several staff members carrying food trays. They quickly set everything down and began serving plates for everyone. I just picked at my food while Jake sat beside me. showing no interest in his food. I shared a worried look with Josh, who had also been observing his brother with concern.

Once everyone was done eating, Conner stood. "I have contacted as many of my associates as possible close to your parents last known location. They keep their eyes on things there and will letknow if anything happens. I'm also sending Jamie and Sean down to assist in the search and keep their eyes on things." With that, we all stood, Patrick's parents gathering around us to hug everyone. We walked them to the door, promising to call if we needed anything. Shannon hugged me, tellingshe would call and check in withtonight. Casting another worried look at Jake's way, she followed her men.

After Drew closed the door, he turned around, leaning heavily against it. I need to call the base and let them know what's going on and see if we can get semergency leave. Mike, cwith me. As they headed down the hall, Josh took my hand and turned to the stairs, and we headed back to our wing We sat back in the living room; Josh turned on the TV and handed Jake one of the gcontrollers to distract him. The twins began their game, and Patrick approached me, taking my hand. He pulledoff the couch, sat, and placedon his lap. I leaned back against his chest, and Patrick hugged 1. me.

"Everything is going to be ok, love." He promised.

"I'm worried about Jake," I admitted, and Patrick nodded in agreement.

"He will be ok, too, though he will probably he very attached to you for a while. Losing his mom at such a young age left him with a fear of abandonment." "I know. I will be patient with him, I promised as I glanced at the twins. Jake looked my way, and I gave him a gentle smile before he returned his attention to the game.

We watched the twins play for almost half an hour when Drew and Mike returned, "Well, Mike made al few ew calls and we have a month of energe leave with the possibility of more if we need it. Drew said, coming over, sitting down next to Patrick, and taking my hand in his How are you h

Cholding up?" I asked Dew, closely watching him. I knew most of ost of my attention had been focused on lake, and I wanted to ensure the rest of my guys would be ok, ton. Chapter 99

Tridok, I promise. Our dad has been into sless-than-legal activities; I'm just concerned that it finally caught up with him. Elis m political dam political dampaign is his top priority to him. He wouldn't just leave it and disappear. I noticed Drew hadn't said anything about their father not wanting to leave his boys but didn't say anything. I know the guys cared about him, even if he didn't deserve it. X