Jack was standing in the hallway when she opened the door. “I’m sorry,” he said. No preamble, no explanation. He knew she wouldn’t want him to fluff it up. “What happened?” “The helicopter crashed. We don’t know if it was pilot error or an equipment malfunction.” She wasn’t sure if that was better or worse than being shot, maimed, or tortured. Hopefully it had been quick. “Everyone’s gone?” Jack shook his head. “Yes.” She could have yelled at him. Could have placed blame where none could be assigned. But that was too arduous. Caroline pushed all of her pesky emotions to the side, as far away from her heart as possible. “Thanks for stopping by to tell me.” “Are you going to be okay?” “I’ll be fine,” she said. “I’ve learned not to get too attached to people.”
