Page 89 of The Ghost of Rage's War

“Incoming!” Levi screamed, and Chance threw himself over Fanatic. An explosion boomed close to his head, and hot metal hit Chance’s back. He kept cover over Fanatic until he was sure it was safe and raised his head.

A massive hole appeared where two cars had been stood. Lying on the ground was Celt, with Smokey dragging him out of the way. Celt was out cold. Smokey’s right side was riddled with shrapnel, but he wasn’t leaving Celt.

“Medic station!” Chance snapped at the prospect.Smokey took on a mulish look but nodded as he winced in pain.

Chance’s gaze widened as he saw who else lay there. Bender was gone, his legs blown off and his sightless eyes staring at Wheels. Wheels had a massive hole in his chest where something had gone through him.

A yell ripped through the air as Zoom scrambled over to Zippy, who lay bleeding from so many wounds Chance couldn’t tell which to work on first. Jailbait crawled over to him and cradled his head.

Zippy spat up blood and grinned. “That fucker got me.”

“He did, but hang on. We’re gonna help you,” Zoom insisted, taking Zippy from Jailbait.

“Brother, the bastard got me good. I am broken inside. Listen up. Kill every single one of those cunts. They don’t get no more of us. Make my death the last,” Zippy said, stutteringly. He coughed up blood, and Chance winced.

“Zippy. Medics are coming,” Jailbait said. “I am ordering you to fight and stay alive.”

“Dude, I’m gonna find me a plump assed, big titty woman and wait for ya’s up there. You fuckin’ honor my cut,” Zippy muttered and closed his eyes.

Zoom bellowed a wordless cry of pain as he hugged Zippy to him. Jailbait dragged in a deep breath.

“Brother, we ain’t out of this yet, we still got a fight,” Chance murmured, feeling shit for reminding them.

“You’re right. We’ll grieve later,” Jailbait replied, straightening his shoulders.

A roar came from the front as Magic heaved up a machine gun onto his shoulder and began firing. Zoom rose behind him with another semi- automatic and hit them hard, too. Men rose to their feet and took the fight to the Fangs. They pushed forward, and suddenly, a series of explosions hit them all. They smashed into the floor and looked up at the sky, dazed. Only Magic remained standing.

“Forgot about that row, must have been a delayed reaction,” Magic said as body parts, flesh, and unrecognisable gloopy shit rained down on them.

“What the fuck?” Chance complained.

Jailbait laughed bitterly and held out his flask. It was dented and battered, but still whole. Chance sat up and took a swallow.

“Yeah, they were the improved ones,” Magic explained, looking at the crater where the last of the Fangs had holed up.

“There were about fifty men there,” Chance muttered, staring in shock.

“Not now,” Magic exclaimed with a shrug.

“Improved version? I ain’t seen no IED that can take fifty guys out!” Bear snapped.

“I tampered with it. Added some oomph,” Magic admitted.

“Jesus, we’re lucky to be alive,” Wraith grumbled and then paled as he glanced at the Devil’s Damned Disciples. “Sorry, that was thoughtless.”

“Those who died wouldn’t begrudge you that sentiment, Wraith,” Jailbait said and gave him his flask. Wraith took a gulp and handed it back.

“Got wounded here. Wrench, Fist, Capa, and Shotgun are down. Alive but down,” Cutlass called.

He was wrapping strips from a tee around Wrench’s leg.

“I’m going to check these fuckers are dead. And if they ain’t, they’re gonna be. Bass, Zoom, let’s kill some fuckin’ snakes,” Magic said and lumbered off. Zoom and Bass followed him.

Jailbait and Chance exchanged looks. “I haven’t got words…”

“Don’t, brother. We anticipated losses. They died proud and defending innocents. Ain’t nobody gonna take that from them. They’re heroes,” Jailbait said, holding a hand up.

Gunshots echoed as Magic, Zoom, and Bass found some alive still.

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