Page 15 of Zero Visibility

“How bad is it?” he asked.

Peter shook his head. “Not good. He needs medical attention right away.”

“I’m going for the vehicle. Cover me,” Ben said.

“We’ve got you.” Will confirmed with a nod.

Ben pulled in a breath, released it, and raced toward the place where they’d left their SUV while keeping as low as he could. It wasn’t long before the men realized he was getting away and shot at him.

His team moved in, quickly forcing the men behind the SUV coverage once more.

Ben reached their vehicle and jumped behind the wheel. He glanced back at Jen.

“What’s going on?” Her eyes were huge.

“We have a man down. I’m going back for him. Get down and stay out of sight.”

“Go.” She didn’t hesitate. “Maybe I can help him until we can get him to the hospital.”

As a vet assistant, Jen had gone through extensive medical training. Her help might just save Tegan’s life.

Ben fired the engine and reversed the SUV to where he’d left his men. Peter and Will carried Tegan while firing behind their backs. Ben jumped from the vehicle and opened up on their attackers, forcing them down low.

He didn’t realize Jen had gotten out and opened the back of the SUV for them to place Tegan in. Ben’s heart went crazy at having her exposed to the enemy.

Peter and Will deposited Tegan into the back and Jen jumped in next to him. She closed the doors as the men started shooting again.

“Jen, get down,” Ben yelled as the back window shattered. Glass flew everywhere.

His people piled into the vehicle and Ben jumped in, his gaze flying to the back. Had she been hurt?

“I’m okay. Go,” she said over the noise of gunfire. He floored the pedal. The SUV sped down the gravel road amongst an onslaught of bullets.

“Is everyone okay?” Ben asked, maintaining his attention on the road ahead. He breathed a sigh of relief when his men affirmed. “Jen, there’s medical supplies in one of the backpacks. How bad is it?”

She didn’t mince words. “He’s been shot in the head. It’s bad. He needs emergency help right now to remove the bullet.”

“We can’t afford to take him to the hospital. They’ll be watching for us. And it will be hours before we can get one of the planes here.” Ben’s thoughts spun. He couldn’t let Tegan die.

“I have an idea,” Jen told him. “I have a friend who goes to my church. He’s a doctor and his wife is a nurse. I trust them.”

As much as he didn’t want to involve any more innocent civilians, they were out of option. “Tell me how to get there.” Ben sure hoped they weren’t making a huge mistake by trusting civilians with Tegan’s life. If the couple turned them in, they’d all be dead.

???

“Let me speak to them first. They know me. They don’t you.” Jen waited for Ben’s answer. He slowly nodded and she climbed out of the back of the SUV.

Her coat was covered in blood. There was no disguising it.

Ben got out as well and came over to where she was. “I’m coming with you.” From his determined expression, she knew it was pointless to argue.

“Okay but let me do the talking. He doesn’t have much time.” Jen hurried to the front door and rang the bell. “It’s Christmas day,” she said, and her eyes widened.” She turned to Ben. “I sure hope they don’t have company. Or worse, they’re not home.”

He squeezed her hand. “I hope not either.”

Seconds ticked by before footsteps came toward the door. It was still quite early in the morning. Had they awakened the Simpsons?

The porch light came on. Another beat passed while Jen prayed their efforts weren’t in vain and Tegan wouldn’t lose his life.

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