Page 46 of Sam's Salvation

Their flight touched down with a soft bounce in Richmond several hours later. The engines roared as the pilot reversed the thrust, slowing them. In moments, they were taxiing off the main runway toward another private hangar, where Ezra waited.

Sam glanced out the window, looking for the jet. He was eager to get in the air, so he hoped Ezra was ready.

Jim steered them along the line of steel buildings and brought the plane to a halt next to a gleaming white plane with black and gold stripes down the side and on the tail. The emblem for Appalachia Resorts was on the door.

The engines wound down, and Jim came out of the cockpit to open the door. He unfolded the stairs, then stepped back. “You’re all set. I hope you have a good trip and everything works out for you.”

Sam offered him a hand. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Audra smiled at him and echoed Sam’s thanks.

With her hand tucked into his, Sam walked down the stairs, making sure she made it down all right. Her gait was a little stiff, but she made it without incident. Jim followed them down and retrieved their luggage from the compartment beneath the main cabin.

“I hope you didn’t get bounced around too much. Jim likes his stunts.”

Sam looked to his left and smiled as he saw Ezra coming toward them. “It was fine. Smoother than the last time I flew with you.”

Ezra scoffed. “Lies.” He grinned and held out a hand. “Good to see you, Sam.”

“You too.” Sam shook his hand, then Ezra reached past him and shook Jim’s hand.

“Glad you kept it under control.”

Jim smiled. “This bird’s not as maneuverable as our helos.”

“True. That thing’s a tank.” Ezra pointed at his plane. He turned to Audra. “You must be Audra. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry it isn’t under better circumstances.”

She smiled and shook his hand. “You too.”

Sam nudged her shoulder. “See? He does exist.”

Ezra’s eyebrow raised. “You doubted my existence?”

“I think I would doubt most of your groups’ existence if I hadn’t heard their voices on the phone. Especially Asher’s.”

Ezra laughed. “Understandable. We do some crazy things. Are you two ready to go?”

“Could I use the loo first?” Audra nodded toward the hangar.

“Of course. It’s through the door and to your right.”

“Thank you.”

Sam watched her walk away. She was loosening up the more she moved, but he could tell she was still stiff. The bed on the plane would be good for her. She needed to stretch her legs out and relax.

“Damn, Dean was right,” Ezra said.

“About what?” Sam turned to him.

“Asher and Max—and really just Asher—are going to be the only single ones left.”

Sam glanced toward Audra again just as she disappeared inside the hangar. “If I can get her on board with that, yeah.”

“She doesn’t want to get back together with you?”

“It’s not that. Things are”—several words vied for dominance in his mind—“complicated.”