“He’s right. We do,” Ryker concedes. “Being separated from Mercy has been more hellish than expected. I don’t know what she means to you”—he jerks his head toward Ivy—“but maybe you can imagine the agony of not being there for her worst moments.” Ty and I trade a knowing look. We’ve had Ivy in our daily sights for nearly five years. Even from afar, she’s been a constant. Regardless of our mission, a certain level of comfort and attachment accompanies that for us all. The loss alone would be devastating. Add in the trauma Mercy has endured, and Ryker’s reaction is well controlled.
