Free Freefall by Traci Hunter Abramson Page B

and pressed his fingers to his temple, refusing to consider that his baby girl might already be dead. He couldn’t give up, and for now he chose to believe that a successful outcome was not only possible, but inevitable. “I understand that the DCI is leaving for Cairo this morning to meet with the ambassador to Abolstan. I think perhaps a trip would do me some good.”
    â€œDo you really think that’s a good idea?”
    â€œI don’t know if it’s a good idea or not, but I don’t think I can sit around here much longer and pretend that everything is okay.”
    â€œWhat will the press think?”
    â€œAfter we leave, I’ll have my staff issue a press release saying that I’m going to meet Amy there so that I can escort her home,” Jim told him. “Charlie is already working on the arrangements.”
    â€œCharlie’s going too?”
    â€œIt was actually his idea,” Jim explained. “CJ and Kailey have helped distract Katherine, but Charlie and I just can’t wait around anymore.”
    â€œIs your wife okay with this?”
    â€œIf she didn’t feel like CJ needed her here, I think she would come with us, but yes, she understands why we need to go.” Jim thought of their long talk the night before. Katherine had been torn between wanting to go and wanting them to stay. After a lot of discussion and prayer, they had finally decided that Katherine would stay behind with CJ and Kailey while Matt finished up his road trip. Meanwhile Charlie and Jim would fly to Cairo in hopes of bringing Amy home.
    â€œI assume you will want me to speak with your wife if I hear anything further,” Doug said.
    â€œYes, but they’re actually headed down to Florida later today. They thought it would be easier on Kailey to be in her own home, and they wanted to see Matt tonight before he leaves on his next trip.” Jim checked his watch before continuing. “I’ll make sure CJ and Katherine know how to reach me.”
    â€œGood luck, Senator,” Doug said. “Give Amy my love when you see her.”
    â€œI will.” Jim closed his eyes and prayed it would be just that easy.

CHAPTER 8
    â€œMatt! Katherine! Come quick!” CJ stood in the doorway leading from the backyard into the spacious living room, where the television was playing behind her.
    Matt scooped his daughter up in his arms and ran into the house with his mother just a step behind him. “What’s wrong?”
    CJ simply pointed as the newscaster continued.
    â€œOur sources suggest that one of the hostages never made it out of Abolstan. So far, no one has been able to confirm that Amy Whitmore has been seen since she was taken hostage nearly a week ago.”
    â€œOh, no.” Katherine sank down onto a chair, both of her hands covering her mouth as the newscaster went on. Next to her, Matt set Kailey down and stood riveted to the television.
    â€œDespite the assurances from Senator Whitmore’s staff that he is on his way to Cairo to escort his daughter home, one eyewitness said that Amy Whitmore fell from the rescue helicopter along with one of her rescuers when the helicopter came under fire. We have been unable to confirm whether or not they survived the fall.”
    CJ wrapped her arms around Matt’s waist, her eyes tearing as her husband drew her closer. Their prayers couldn’t have all been in vain, but how could someone make up such a story? Could Amy really have died during the rescue? And if so, why hadn’t anyone passed along that information?
    Taking a deep breath, CJ looked up at Matt. His jaw was set and she could tell that he too was struggling with the possibilities. “It can’t be true, Matt.”
    Matt looked down at her, his eyes moist.
    Realizing that he was afraid to speak, CJ continued, “If she had died during the rescue, we would have been told.”
    Matt swallowed hard. “How could she possibly