Chaska traded his shoes for an extra pair of climbing shoes that Herrera had brought with him and then worked himself into the rotation, Team members taking turns, egging each other on, going for speed, practicing riskier moves, cheering and jeering for one another. Rossiter and McBride joined in the action, too. Chaska managed to get in a few laps on a 5.11c route before their food arrived.
Out of breath, he walked back to the table to find Old Man watching him and chuckling to himself, pride unmistakable on his face. “Now I know why you have such big muscles.”
“Such big muscles,” Naomi whispered. She took a quick sip of her soda through her straw to hide her smile, but there was no mistaking the heat in her eyes.
They’d just started to eat when Rain walked up and bent down beside Naomi. “Joe is about to say a few words, and he wanted to know if there was anything you’d like to say. Don’t feel obligated. It’s entirely up to you.”
Chaska saw indecision and nervousness in Naomi’s eyes, but when she answered Rain, there was nothing but determination on her face.
“I would like to say something. Thank you.”
“I’ll let Joe know.” Rain hurried away.
Chaska helped Naomi get to her feet. “I’ll walk up with you.”
Naomi couldn’t believeshe was going to do this. She’d never spoken in front of people before. But if they could take their time and their money to help her, then she could find the courage to thank them.
She made her way toward the stage, Chaska beside her, weaving through the tables. They passed Bear, who was most of his way through a small deep-dish pizza, and then Chief Deputy US Marshal McBride, who was on his way back from the dance floor with a woman he introduced as his wife, Natalie.
“Just call me Zach,” he said when Naomi stumbled over his full title.
The dance floor was teeming with couples, their bodies moving to a distinctly Creole sound.
Chaska spoke into her ear so she could hear. “When you’re able to walk again, you and I have a dancing date.”
“Okay,” she said, not really able to think about that now.
Joe was waiting for her, still in his bartender apron, his long hair in a bun. “Hey, Naomi. I hope you’re having a good time.”
“I am.” She tried not to act like she was terrified. “Thank you—and thank you for this. It’s amazing to me that so many people want to help.”
The song came to an end, applause cutting off whatever Joe had been about to say in response. He had to wait for it to die down to continue. “I’ll go up and say a few words, and then you can join me.”
“Okay.” Naomi drew a deep breath, her heartbeat picking up.
Chaska gave her hand a squeeze. “You’re the woman who beats up bad guys, remember? I don’t know anyone braver than you. You can do this.”
When he put it like that…
She’d done a lot of riskier things in her life. She could do this.
Joe walked up onto the stage, said hello to the guys in the band, then stepped up to the microphone. The pub fell quiet—apart from a shout from the back corner.
“Oh, Moretti! You nailed it, man.” That was Herrera.
“Hey, guys, button it.” That was Megs.
Laughter.
“I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. It’s been almost two weeks since a young woman who was camping in the mountains near here was attacked by a couple of escaped cons. Naomi Archer came to Colorado for a vacation and instead had to fight for her life. It’s not right that a victim of violence should have to pay medical bills that are the result of that violence. That’s what tonight is all about. A portion of this evening’s proceeds is going to help Naomi get on her feet again—no pun intended. There’s also a big jar on the bar for anyone who wants to drop in a few extra bucks. Any leftover funds will go to benefit the Team, and we all know what a worthy cause that is. And now I think Naomi would like to say a few words.”
People cheered.
Naomi’s throat grew tight.
You can’t cry.
Chaska gave her hand another squeeze, helped her up the stairs. “You’ll do great. We’re all with you—me, Win, your father.