Page 63 of Canyon of Deceit
“Be brave. If we are separated, stay strong.”
“I will.” Alina nodded. “I promise.”
The men approached the helicopter door. My pulse sped, and I failed to cease the trembling in my body.
“Palmer, get up,” Falin said.
I pried Alina’s hands from me. She grieved in silence and uttered not a word. Such a brave girl.
“Get out,” Falin said.
At least he planned to shoot me outside so Alina wouldn’t view one more death. I struggled to my feet and walked to the opening.
“To show I’m not a ruthless killer, you will live, providing you find a way out of here with the dead and wounded.” He tossed me my backpack.
“Please don’t hurt her.”
“Maybe.”
I hated his pet word or rather his ominous tone when he spoke it.
He shoved me out of the aircraft, and I stumbled and fell face-first, compounding the ache and nausea from the bruising to my kidneys. I stood on shaky feet and limped toward the burning helicopter and the men beyond. I’d tend to their injuries. Search for anything salvageable and figure this out.
The armed Airbus filled with men quietly whispered its ascent into the sky.
A thunder-like roar sounded in the distance. Falin must have detonated the cave containing Chandler’s body.
THIRTY-SIX
BLANE
Everywhere I looked, men lay sprawled out on the ground. Bloody masses. Dark groans met my ears. I rolled off the stretcher and wrapped my hand around a wounded man’s rifle—the pain in my head and arm were constant reminders of those who’d sacrificed to rescue me.
Through the blinding smoke, I squinted at the Airbus. The sound dissipated over the clear sky. I pulled out the IV in my left arm and held it against me to stop the bleeding. Rolling near a Ranger who failed to move, I stared again into the smoke. Glancing to see who remained standing, I fought the rage igniting inside me.
“Who’s okay?” I said.
“I’m hit. Not bad,” a man said. “This is Agent Tanner.”
Dave.“How bad? This is Blane.”
“Shoulder. Through and through. I called for backup when the second helo opened fire.”
“I’ll crawl to you,” I said.
“I’m here with him,” another man said. “Call out if you can hear me.”
Four other men responded they were injured but nothing serious. The ones who didn’t respond had my concern.
“Men,” Dave said. “Help is on its way. Those shooters spoke Russian. Had to be the ROC. Look around you to see if it’s possible to help another man.”
A fierce surge of fury coursed through my veins.Why God? Why?
—
THERESE
Relief and confusion assaulted me in Falin’s release. Why? Who was he? I shook my head. Agony from the men around me scraped against my ears. Would any of them hear laughter again or feel joy?
