Gunslingers

Rae's POV

Another two years had passed. I was a Master Sergeant, working on another trip to Iraq. The war was finally winding down around those parts, but we would still be there until someone found Bin Laden.

I had actually stayed in touch with all my friends, except Matt. People kept me up to date on his life, and I was happy that he had found a fiancee. He had finally found someone else to love, but after talking to my mother, I quickly learned that I was still too angry to be in love. I was too angry at all that had happened because and in part of Matt and the gang that I would never truly love him.

But, I was happy for him. He seemed to really love his fiancee from what the others told me. And speaking of the others, it was insane everything that had happened in the last two years. Sarah was now a famous architect and she and Johnny were expecting. Laura and Brian were trying for a baby, Maeve had finally retired and joined Zacky on the band tours. They apparently were looking to adopt and then would try for a kind and Carol had just delivered her little one, Owen William Sullivan. He was the cutest fucking baby I had ever seen. Once again, I was being left behind by my friends, but it was okay this time.

My phone rang just as I was laying down for a nap. "Hello?"

Sobs greeted me. "Rae?"

"Yes?" Another choked sob sounded from the other line. "Hello? Is everything okay?"

It sounded like the phone was being shifted to another person. "Rae, it's Sarah. I'm with Carol and Owen. They just received news that Jimmy died while overseas. He was still flying, and we need you here. His funeral is tomorrow."

Without a second damn thought, I packed a bag and raced to the airport. My family needed me. I can't believe that he was dead. James was so full of life, so full of love and passion for his family and friends. Why had he been taken away from us?
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Jimmy's POV

The plane rattled a bit as I neared the drop site. This was to be my last my mission before just focusing on music. I was ready to be with my family and friends and not worry about living to the next day.

It had taken me a few years, but I finally let Carol know I was still flying missions. She had given me an ultimatum, retire or don't be with her. I loved her too much to leave her. And I loved our new son too much to even think about continuing on as a pilot. This was my final mission, and I was very excited.

"This is Rainbow Eagle... we're three miles out from the drop site."

"That's a go, Eagle."

I motioned to my co-pilot that he needed to prepare for the bomb drop. I missed having Maeve back there, but Paul wasn't that bad. He was a cool guy and didn't mind my flips and uncanny craziness.

As we neared the drop site, I saw a flash in the night. Seeing a flash at night was never a good sign. As the flash shot into the sky, I realized what it was. Shit, that was really, really not good. Someone had shot an ground to air missile at us.

"Paul, eject!"

I heard his seat lift out of the plane and pulled on my own. We always prepared for situations like this, but we never expected them to actually happen. The air rushed around me as I swirled through the air and saw the plane blow up when the missile hit it.

Looking around, I saw Paul's chair with its chute open and pulled up on my own. Nothing happened. I didn't let panic sit in though and grabbed the emergency handle. Once again, nothing happened.

Sighing, I started to tug on both, hoping they would suddenly work. Nothing happened. I looked up at the sky and sent a silent prayer to my gods to protect my wife and my son. I would never get to hold either again.

The ground rushed up and me... and then... nothing

Notes

Sorry guys, I had to fast forward the story so we could get to the meat of it. Jimmy had to die for the story to really progress, and I AM SO SORRY! I HATED KILLING HIM!!! I AM THE WORST.

Also, today (Nov 8) is my birthday, and it's been a shit show so please send me gifs of Matt to feel better! Or comments!