“She’s absolutely right,” Finley agreed. At least she and Nicole were on the same page when it came to their daughter. “You better go catch your plane,” she added, checking her watch. “This security officer will take you through security and down to your gate.”
“Okay,” Caitlin said.
“Check in at the desk when you get there. Your flight leaves in thirty minutes.”
Caitlin wrapped her arms around Finley. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, kiddo.”
Finley wiped away a few tears as she watched Caitlin walk through the security checkpoint, until she could no longer see her in the terminal. Then, she headed to the lobby to watch the screen until she knew the flight had taken off. Once it said departed, Finley picked up her phone.
“Hey, Mom. Caitlin’s plane is in the air. Can you call Nicole for me and let her know?”
“Sure. I thought you were talking on the phone with her now,” her mother replied.
“I was, but that’s because Caitlin was here with me. Now, she’s gone, so…”
Jackie Morris heard the sadness in her daughter’s voice. “You’re never going to let her go, are you?”
Finley had no idea how to answer that. She’d tried time and time again to let Nicole go, to hate her and push her out of her life, but they were connected forever through Caitlin. That lifeline always seemed to keep them within arm’s length, no matter what. “I’ve dated, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“You know what I mean,” Jackie replied. “Anyway, how did everything go?”
“You mean with Caitlin here? It was great. She got to go out on a call with me, which blew her mind.”
“Really? I bet that was exciting.”
“Yeah. I really enjoyed having her here. I feel like I’ve missed so much of her growing up these past seven years.”
“Well, you have, honey. But, it wasn’t on your own accord, and you know that.”
“I know. I miss her already,” Finley said, walking out of the airport. “Things aren’t going too great for her at home.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I guess Nicole’s marriage isn’t wedded bliss after all.”
“Well, I could’ve told you that. He’s an absolute ass and she’s stupid for marrying him in the first place.”
“It is what it is, Mom. She made her choices, now she has to live with them,” she said, getting into her SUV.
“We both know her mother made them for her.”
“Well, she allowed it!” Finley snapped.
“I know that,” Jackie countered.
“I really don’t want to talk about Nicole or her marriage. I just sent my little girl back to that mess, not knowing when I will see her again.”
“Have you thought about taking Caitlin fulltime?”
“What? You mean like full custody?”
“Sure. Why not?”
Finley shook her head and pulled out into the airport traffic. “That would never happen. First, Nicole would never allow it. Second, my schedule is too chaotic. I had to leave her alone in the house or with my neighbor as it was, and that was only for a few weeks. Plus, my transfer is coming up. Who the hell knows where I’ll wind up this time.” Finley sighed, “No, she’s better off where she is.”
“I disagree with you.”
Finley rolled her eyes. “I need to go, Mom. I have to be ready for shift change in twenty minutes.”
“You’re back on nights already?”
“Every three weeks,” Finley replied.
“Be safe out there. I love you,” Jackie said.
“I love you, too. Don’t forget to call Nicole,” Finley said, before tossing her phone into the passenger seat. The short drive around to the backside of the airport where the Coast Guard Air Station was located, had taken less than five minutes. She’d planned to use the other fifteen to try and forget how sad she felt knowing Caitlin wouldn’t be there waiting when she got home.
*
“Is everything okay?” Greg asked, noticing Finley was less talkative than usual, which wasn’t saying much. They’d just finished their shift and were sitting in a coffee shop, eating pancakes.
“We need to stop coming here,” she replied with a mouthful of food. “I’m going to get fat.”
Greg laughed. “Oh, please. You get whole-wheat pancakes topped with organic fruit and low-fat granola, and put a drop of natural honey on it for syrup. I think you’ll be fine. Besides, you run like a hamster on a wheel. That has to burn off the little bit of excess calories you might be eating right now.”
Finley rolled her eyes and took another sizeable bite.
“Sorry I’m late. My car wouldn’t start. Apparently, I left my headlights on all night,” Tracey mumbled, sliding into the booth next to Finley.
“Really? I’m surprised no one noticed and said anything,” Greg replied.
“Seriously? You think anyone gives a shit?” Tracey retorted, waving the waitress over to the table.
“If anyone noticed, it would be security because the parking lot is on the other side of the hangars. The tower might be able to see it, but their backs are to that area,” Finley stated.
“I’ll just have a coffee, black,” Tracey said, placing her order.
Greg raised an eyebrow.
“What?” Tracey questioned. “I can’t eat when we come off the night shift. I have to sleep first.”
“Not me, I’m usually starving,” Finley said.
“Me too,” Greg added. “Have fun, ladies. I’m going to hit the gym before heading home. I’ll see you tonight.”
Finley waved and Tracey said goodbye as she moved around to the opposite side of the booth. “Is Caitlin leaving soon?” she asked.
“She actually left yesterday.”
“Really? Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Nothing much to say.”
“Well, she was a joy to be around. I hope I get to see her again.”
“She won’t be back here. My transfer is coming up.”
“I still have another year. I’m hoping to go back to Miami next, but I don’t know since I was just there,” Tracey replied. “What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I still have a little time before I need to turn in my preference, and I’ve been offered an instructor position at the rescue swimmer school.”
“Wow. Congratulations. That’s a big decision,” Tracey exclaimed.
“Thanks,” she murmured. “I don’t know if I want to come out of the field for three years. That’s a long time, especially when I’ve been at some of the most active posts for more than half of my time in service.”
“It might seem like a step back, but it’s a great opportunity for someone with your skill level. Look at all of the recruits you’ll be sharing your knowledge with.”
“That’s true. I have a lot to think about,” she said, looking at her bill. “It’s in Charleston, where my family is, including Caitlin and her mother.”
“Ah, I see the hesitation.” Tracey nodded. “I take it you and she don’t get along.”
“It’s not that easy. We actually don’t speak to each other at all. When Caitlin was here, I talked to her on the phone for the first time in seven years. Everything sort of came flooding back. I thought I had let go, or was at least headed in that direction.”
“Women…” Tracey muttered, shaking her head. “They will fuck you up.”
“No kidding,” Finley laughed. “Honestly, I would love being closer to Caitlin, but giving up three years in the field is difficult, especially when I’ll be cleared to retire in seven years.”
“Do you think you’ll do more than that?”
“Oh, I’m sure. My plan was to go as close to twenty years as I could in the field, then transfer and finish out my career as an instructor at the swim school, doing twenty-five full years of active duty in service.”
“Well, if you made a plan, why not stick to it?” Tracey questioned.
“
You make it sound so easy. Maybe you’re in the wrong career. You should be a therapist or something, instead of a Flight Mechanic,” Finley laughed. “Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m tired,” she added, tossing a ten dollar bill on the table.
Chapter 9
Three weeks into the month of August, Finley had just finished a long shift, where she’d rescued multiple survivors from three different calls. She’d had a busy day and was completely worn out, but the blinking light on her phone, indicating she had received an email, cheered her up. She quickly went through the process to open her mail. Two emails were waiting for her. She touched the line to open the first one.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Caitlin 1st swim practice
Finley,
Here is the video from Caitlin’s first formal practice with the swim team. They haven’t narrowed the roster or anything yet, but I thought you’d like to see her swimming in the Annandale pole. Looks so much like you out there. Anyway, the season officially starts next month.
Nicole
Finley swiped the button to play the one minute video. She smiled, watching Caitlin skim through the water like a dolphin. The large, red and white Annandale High sign was visible on the far wall. It brought back memories of the countless hours Finley had spent in that pool, with Nicole Wetherby in the stands watching, cheering her on, and waiting to hang out when she was finished.
After watching it play a second time, Finley closed the video. She thought about replying, but there wasn’t much to say, at least not to Nicole. She quickly moved onto the second email.
From: [email protected]
Subject: check this out
Hey,
I’m sure Mom won’t send this to you, so I will! I love you and I miss you. When are you coming up to Grammy’s? Can’t wait to show you in person!
Caitlin
Finley scrolled down to the picture at the bottom. Caitlin was dressed in the dark blue slacks, light blue blouse, and dark blue garrison cap of her Air Force Junior ROTC cadet uniform. Her Airman rank insignia was on both of the shirt lapels and the name Morris was proudly displayed on the front right chest.
Tracey noticed Finley smiling from ear to ear and walked over. “What has you all happy? Is someone sexting you?” she laughed.
Finley raised an eyebrow and turned her phone around.
“Oh, wow. Look at your mini-me,” Tracey exclaimed. “You should see your face right now. You’re beaming like one proud momma.”
Finley chuckled. “Oh, I absolutely love it. She looks so grown up. But, I’m actually pretty giddy because I know her mother must hate every minute of this.”
“Really? She hates the military that much, or is it you?”
Finley shrugged. “She has no reason to hate me, but her mother despises the military, mostly because of me.” She shook her head. “Oh, talk about hatred, that woman hates my guts.”
Tracey giggled. “She sounds lovely.”
“No kidding,” Finley laughed.
“I’ll see you in a few days,” Tracey said, tossing her bag full of dirty flight suits over her shoulder. “Enjoy your standby weekend.”
“Did you take time off to finally do your laundry?”
“No, smartass,” Tracey growled with a smile. “I’m heading down to Miami for Lillian’s birthday. Her ship is coming in tomorrow and she’ll have liberty all weekend.”
“Have fun,” Finley called as Tracey walked away. She scrolled back to the top of the email and hit reply.
Caitlin,
Love the picture! You so look so grown up! I’m very proud of you. Remember, anytime you have on a service uniform, wear it proudly with your shoulders squared and your chin held high. I can’t wait to see some ribbons on it at the end of the school year.
Also, your mom sent me the video of swim practice. Looking good, kiddo! I miss you and I love you. I’ll see you soon.
Mom
*
Finley’s head had barely hit the pillow on Saturday night, when her phone began ringing loudly. She’d spent the entire day out by the river reading a book and soaking up the sun. She was beat and the last thing she wanted to do was go out on a call. She rolled over, grabbing the phone and swiping to answer at the same time.
“Morris.”
“Chief, we need a swimmer. We have a missing person from a cruise ship and need another bird in the air,” said the Operations Duty Officer who was on shift.
“I’m on the way,” she replied, ending the call. She quickly splashed some cold water on her face, gargled some mouthwash, and pulled on a dark blue t-shirt, before stepping into her flight suit. Within two minutes, she was out the door.
Navigating the streets in the middle of the night was much easier than the daytime. Merritt Island wasn’t big by any means, but it was cram packed with people in the summer, mostly tourists. It took her all of five minutes to get to the air station. She showed her ID to the guard at the gate and drove around to the parking lot behind the main hangar.
“I figured I’d see you,” Greg said, getting out of his car a few spaces away.
“I couldn’t go all weekend without seeing your scruffy face,” she teased.
“Shit,” he squeaked, reaching into his flight bag for the electric razor he kept for emergencies. The Coast Guard was pretty easygoing, unlike the strict demands of most branches. However, getting caught with facial hair would get him a reprimand.
Finley checked the weather on her phone, while Greg shaved his face as they walked towards the hangar.
“Who the hell jumps off a cruise ship? That seems to be happening more and more lately,” he mumbled.
Finley shrugged as she pulled open the door.
Lieutenant Commander James Kline, the Operations Duty Officer for the night, was standing outside of the dispatch office, waiting for their arrival. “6529 is bingo and heading in,” he said, referring to the other helo that was operated by the aircrew who was currently on shift. “We need to get you guys in the air now. As far as we know, the woman was reported missing less than an hour ago.”
“Roger,” Greg said. He and Finley rushed to their lockers to prepare for the flight. He began putting his survival harness on, while she changed into her swimmer gear.
“Nice night for a flight,” stated another aircrew member as he tightened his survival harness and closed his locker.
“You’re flying with us tonight, D?” Greg asked, looking at the young Flight Mechanic.
“Yes, sir,” Deacon beamed.
Greg laughed and shook his head. “This ought to be fun.”
“It always is brother,” Deacon grinned as he headed over to the helo to start his preflight checklist.
“How is he always so wired?” Finley mumbled, grabbing her mask, snorkel, and fins, before closing her locker.
“He drinks those energy drinks like water,” Greg replied, walking with her to the helo.
“We’re fueled and ready to go,” Deacon said, as they stepped closer. “The emergency equipment is all accounted for,” he added, looking at Finley.
Greg and Finley completed their own preflight checks, along with the co-pilot who would be accompanying them. Once they were finished, they went into the operations office for a last minute briefing before taking flight, where they were given the approximate coordinates of the fall location, the time, wind speed and direction, and sea data.
*
Finley and Deacon were tethered to the helo with gunner belts as they scanned the water with night vision goggles through the open cabin door. Both of the Coast Guard Search and Rescue helicopters were scanning grids along the path of the current, and thirty miles apart. Because of a lapse in the last time the woman was seen and when she was reported missing, no one knew exactly when she went into the water.
“Search and Rescue 6516, Search and Rescue 6529…Sector Merritt Island. We have just been updated by Paradise Cruise Line. The victim was seen going over the rail on closed circuit video at 1200. Over.�
��
“Sector…6529. Copy,” the second helo radioed.
“Sector…6516. Can we get the coordinates of the ship at the time of the fall? Over.” Greg said.
The dispatcher quickly replied with the latitude and longitude information.
“6529…6516. Stay on course. We’re going to backtrack towards the last know position. Over,” Greg radioed to the other helo as he changed course.
“6516…6529. Copy,” the other pilot replied.
“She’s been in the water for nearly two hours. Even if she wasn’t drunk, that’s a long time to tread water,” Deacon uttered.
“At this point, we’re looking at a body retrieval,” Finley said.
“Yeah. I’d be surprised if we found her alive,” Greg added as they flew over the position where the woman had gone overboard. He took the helo down to thirty feet over the fairly calm seas. “I’m going to stay on this path and follow the current,” he stated.
*
Finley and Deacon scanned the water back and forth for the next half hour. She finally began scanning further out from their position. Without the aid of night vision, they were surrounded in total darkness, except for the illumination from the gauges and sensors in the cockpit.
“Sector…6516. We are five minutes out from bingo fuel. Over,” Greg radioed. “Crew, prepare to depart for refueling,” he said.
“Greg, check your three o’clock, about four hundred yards out,” Finley said.
He didn’t have binoculars to see that far out, so he banked the helo to the right and headed towards the area she was referring to.
“6516…Sector. Copy on bingo. Return for refuel. Over.”
“Sector…6516. Hold off on the refuel. We may have a visual. Over.”
“Mark. Mark. Mark,” Finley yelled, tossing a blinking buoy in the water as they flew over the body that was floating face down.
Never Let Go Page 9