Page 54 of Craving Sin (Touch of Evil 13)

Brook swept the beam across their small group.

Victor was sitting rigidly beside Jacob, one hand clutched in the fabric of the bright orange jumpsuit that marked her brother as federal property. The agent's face was streaked with blood on the left side from several cuts across his left cheek, likely from his desperate scramble into the cave.

Somehow, Jacob had managed to get through the thin entrance with only a single scratch. It was as if the universe itself conspired to preserve him. His wavy brown hair fell across his forehead, while his expression was one of mild amusement.

Russell was closest to the collapsed entrance.

In the stark beam of the headlamp, Brook can see a deep gash across his temple. Blood had seeped down the right side of his face. His breath formed in small clouds that dissipated into the air while he took time to catch his breath.

He had pushed her through first, even though he had practically been in front of her. After Victor had shoved Jacob ahead, Russell had intentionally put himself in harm’s way to make sure she had been able to seek safety.

Russell had been prepared to sacrifice himself for her.

The thought caused her throat to tighten in a way that had nothing to do with the dust or cold.

“I lost the second bag.” Russell held up his left hand, which didn’t appear to be in good shape. “Couldn't pull it through in time.”

“It's fine, Russell. We'll make do with what we have.”

“Always the pragmatist,” Jacob murmured wryly.

“Shut up,” Victor muttered as he used his sleeve to wipe away the blood from his cheek.

“Or what, Agent Brall? I think we're a bit beyond standard protocol now, don't you?”

“Which is why you should be very careful about what you say and do right now,” Brook warned, admonishing herself for not getting them off this mountain sooner. She shifted until she could drag her bag closer to Russell. “I don’t have the first aid kit. Let me see if it’s in this one.”

Brook ignored Jacob as she searched the contents of the second duffel bag. Fortunately, a first aid kit was front and center. It didn’t take her long to pull it out and open the lid. There were a couple of ace bandages, and she chose the smaller one to wrap some gauze around the cut in her hand. Once she had stemmed the blood flow, she concentrated on Russell’s hand.

“I’m not a doctor, but I’d guess it’s broken in at least two places,” Brook said gently before taking the time to toss Victor a headlamp. He leaned down to retrieve it. “Victor, don’t put that on just yet. We need to clean those cuts on your face.”

“It’s fine. Hand me a piece of gauze.”

Brook fished out a second piece of gauze and held it out to him. She then grabbed one for Russell’s head. He motioned for a headlamp of his own, and together, they secured the strap over the injury. The pressure would stem any remaining blood flow.

“Once we outfit ourselves with those warmer jackets, we’ll figure out a plan on how to get us out of here.” Brook motioned for Russell to rotate his hand a little more for a better angle so as not to cause him additional pain. “Let me know if I’m wrapping this too tight.”

Brook gently and carefully swaddled Russell’s hand with an ace bandage to keep the broken bones in place. The cold seeped deeper into them with every passing minute. By the time she had pressed the velcro end to its partner, the cut on her palm had begun to throb in time with her heartbeat, not that she would ever complain to a man who was clearly in a lot of pain.

“That should hold until we can get you some medical attention.”

Russell reached out with his good hand, holding onto hers. She nodded slightly, guessing as to what he was trying to get across to her. She made no move to stand, conserving energy while she thought over their current problem.

Jacob wouldn’t have planned all this if he didn’t have an exit strategy.

She reached for the satellite radio clipped to her belt, its plastic casing as cold as the walls around them. She pressed the transmit button.

“Bit, do you copy?” Brook waited three beats, then tried again. "Bit, we have a situation. Please respond.”

“The radios won't work in here,” Russell said, his breath clouding in front of his face. He gestured vaguely upward. “Signal can't penetrate.”

“I know, but it was still worth a shot.” Brook clipped the radio to her belt. “Alright. Let’s take stock.”

Her headlamp cast shadows across Jacob's face as he observed her. He was enjoying himself. He had succeeded in getting them into the tunnels that almost certainly led to the other side of the mountain. He had studied the interior maze for years, which meant that he had the advantage.

She needed to take that from him.

“I might as well lay all my cards on the table, Jacob.” Brook began to remove items from the bag. She handed Russell a thicker jacket. “Mekhi gave us coordinates to the cabin you stayed at while you were here.”

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