“Crashed” Part 9
Patty and Ken packed a few essentials into their suitcases. They had no idea how long “a few weeks” would really be, but they figured they’d deal with that when the time came. Enough clothes for a week, some toiletries, and a shared feeling of uncertainty.
Hayes had given them a number to call once they reached the hotel — the room was already covered, he’d promised. “For now,” Ken had said, “we’ll get a good night’s sleep — if that’s even possible.” Patty smiled weakly at the joke. But sleep, they both learned, was easier said than done.
Morning came with a dull gray light pressing through the blinds. The two of them gathered in the kitchen, half-awake, half-nervous. Today was the day.
The 2-way radio crackled to life from its spot on the mantle — where Ken had left it days ago and never touched since.
“Good morning,” came Hayes’ voice, clear and calm. “Anybody copy?”
Ken made his way into the living room. “I hear ya, Lieutenant. What can I do for you?”
“Just checking in,” Hayes said. “We’ve got a few extra men arriving this morning to assist with the sweep. Wanted to get an idea of when I can deploy them.”
Hayes sounded… pleasant. Almost too pleasant.
“We’ll grab a quick breakfast,” Ken said, “and be out within the hour.”
“Roger that.”
The radio fell silent again — but the weight of what came next only grew heavier.
Cellima was sitting at the table already,
She had spent the night in the woods, Last night she had said, “It is safer. Your military remains focused around the ravine, and I don’t want to risk being sensed inside the house. That would put you both in danger.”
Patty nodded, although her maternal instincts nudged at her—she didn’t like it but….
“I will remain cloaked,” Cellima added. “And alert, in case of approach.”
“Have you devised a plan for my exit Cellima asked?”
Patty turned from the stove. “Yes… but it won’t be easy.”
A moment passed. Then, as she stirred the pan, something clicked.
“Wait—you eat, right?”
Cellima gave the faintest smile.
“Yes. I consume mostly vegetation. But when I first arrived, I… needed to store energy. I was forced to take two animals from nearby farms. It was necessary. I buried the remaining portions in a preserver pouch outside.”
Ken raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The moment passed in silence — just long enough for the weight of what lay ahead to settle back in.
It was now thirty-five minutes since Hayes’ radio check-in. Patty’s mind raced. She had said she had a plan — but the truth was, she didn’t. Not really.
The thought of having Cellima ride out in the back of the pickup crossed her mind, but it collapsed just as quickly. What if they stop us?
Her thoughts were interrupted.
It is all right, Cellima said calmly. There are not many other choices.
Patty stiffened. She had briefly forgotten that Cellima could see her thoughts — and now she was speaking to her directly.
We will share the plan with Ken now, Cellima added.
Patty moved quickly. She pulled out a pair of jeans, a shirt, and shoes, laying them on the table. “You’ll need a hat too.”
Ken reached for one of his baseball caps and handed it over.
Patty stepped back and looked her over. “Now… you look just fine.”
Their hearts were pounding. Adrenaline surged through the room — sharp, electric, unavoidable.
Then the radio chirped again.