Page 238 of Beautiful Collide

Sweat drips down my back, and my hands ache.

I don’t mind, though.

“All right, switch.”

I shake my head, wiping the sweat from my forehead. “I’ve got it. Take a break.”

“Hudson,” he says, giving me a look. “I can handle it.”

“And I can handle it better,” I shoot back. “Go sit down. Drink some water. I’ll finish this pass.”

He hesitates, but eventually, he nods. “Fine.”

“Thanks, old man.” I climb into the cab.

“Who are you calling old man?”

I smile while pointing at him before setting back to work.

Everything is running smoothly until it isn’t.

The machine jerks suddenly.

A loud, sickening screech fills the air.

I slam the brakes.

“What the fuck?” I climb down to see what the hell is going on.

The auger is jammed.

I crouch down, trying to get a better look.

“Hudson.” Dad jogs over. “What’s going on?”

“Auger’s jammed.” I point at the mess. “I’ll clear it out.”

“Wait.” He frowns. “We should call someone. That’s not safe.”

“I’m not calling anyone,” I say firmly. “It’ll take too long. I’ve got it.”

“Hudson.” His voice is low and serious. “You’re not supposed to be doing this kind of work. Your contract—”

“I know what my contract says,” I snap. “But we have no choice.”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t argue.

“Just keep an eye on the controls,” I say.

The space inside is tight and hard to maneuver.

Sweat drips into my eyes.

I’m almost done when it happens. The machine jolts.

Pain explodes through my wrist.

My vision blurs for a moment.

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