The jeep was in the lot when Michael's limo pulled up to the hangar with Dominic and his women inside. Now would come the time of truth. How was he going to tell String that Kelly was alive and not only that but within shouting distance?
The phone call that came to his apartment the night that Kelly died still haunted his memory as much as Caitlin's death. A police officer informed him over the phone that Kelly Foster was dead and he was needed at the house she and String shared. Then, after the funeral, there was the month of mourning in the cabin until one morning String woke him up ready to go back to civilization.
He had seen String go through the stages of mourning and now String's life was going to be turned upside down yet again.
He left Kelly with Caitlin at the limo and went inside the hangar. Hawke was working on the helicopter that Caitlin had left unfinished when Michael came to get them. Dominic cleared his throat and Hawke turned around.
"Geez, Dom, that's the last time I leave you and Caitlin here on your own if you're going to take two hours lunches. I've just about got the electrical system fixed on this helicopter. If we can get the dents in the door pounded out and cleaned, we can get out of here early."
"Hello, Hawke," The voice made Dominic turn around as well. Kelly was standing a few feet behind Dominic. Caitlin was behind her looking angry. She put her hands in the air as a sign of defeat when Dominic gave her a dirty look.
Hawke dropped the screwdriver onto the ground and it clanged loudly. "Kel—Kelly."
Dominic could see String's hands shaking as he took a few tentative steps toward her. "Kelly?" Hawke stopped and put out a trembling hand to touch Kelly's cheek. She took his fingers in her hand, kissed the palm, and rushed into his arms.
"Kelly, you're alive." Hawke hugged her tightly and buried his face in her neck.
Dominic felt Caitlin beside him and saw the tears in her eyes as well. It was an emotional scene. When Hawke pulled away from Kelly, tears were still sliding down his face. "I don't understand." He wiped at the tears with the back of his hand. "They told me you were dead. Dominic identified your body. I don't. . ."
Kelly put her finger to his lips. "I'll explain everything later, Hawke. Right now, I want you to take me to the cabin."
Hawke looked over at Dominic and Caitlin.
"I'll get the helicopter ready," Caitlin said.
"I'll get the bags from the limo and send it back to Michael," Dominic said, and they both walked out together.
As they parted, Dominic couldn't help but feel the anger that was now taking the place of the joy that he felt when he saw Kelly for the first time in five years. He wanted answers just as badly as Hawke needed to hear them. Something had kept Kelly from coming to them five years ago for help. There was no doubt in his mind that he would have helped her walk through fire five years ago, but now after seeing what String had gone through in the grieving process he wasn't sure if he would help her walk through fire or just leave her there to burn.
The flight to the cabin was quiet and after carrying in Kelly's bag, Dominic and Caitlin flew back. Now that Hawke and Kelly were alone and the shock had subsided, Hawke had questions; lots of questions.
After pouring them both a drink, he went into the living room where Kelly was staring at the paintings.
She accepted the drink with a thank you and went back to staring at the picture.
"We need to talk," Hawke said as he took a seat on the couch. Tet didn't budge from his bed at the fireplace.
"You know, this was always my favorite painting." She pointed at the Vermeer painting Girl with a Flute.
"Kelly, we need to talk." Hawke repeated.
Kelly relinquished her place in front of the painting and joined Hawke. She took out the pin at the base of her neck and ran her fingers through her hair loosening it from the tight bind. After that, she started her story.
