Page 22 of Danger Close
Ezra’s vision stuttered, his head lolling forward under its own weight.Everything burned.His side screamed with each breath.But the cadence of those voices—shouting down the hall—cut through the fog like a blade.
“Clear left!”
“Contact rear!”
“Sweep clear!”
Ricky.
That one was Ricky’s voice.He was kinda glad that he would die with his lover’s voice clear in his mind.
The door exploded off its hinges.The world shattered around it.Tactical entry—staggered formation, rifles first, eyes scanning every angle.
He knew that pattern.
Knew the people in it.
Bateman moved like a hammer—calculated, deliberate.Marsh flanked the far wall, rifle drawn and gaze sharp.Dale swept behind, muttering something low and vicious to himself.Hogan covered the rear, eyes flicking for threats.
Then—Ricky.
He was the last to enter, but the first to break rank.
“Ez!”he called out, voice ragged, relief and fury all braided together.
The chain around Ezra’s wrist clanked as Ricky grabbed it, jammed something into the lock, and popped it open.The moment it gave, Ezra pitched forward.
Ricky caught him.Arms wrapped tight around his back, one hand cradling the back of his skull like he might fall apart if he didn’t hold on.
“You okay?”Ricky asked, breath hitching.“Shut up, don’t answer.Just hold on.”
Ezra managed a breath—half air, half pain.“You found me...”
“Of course I did,” Ricky whispered.
Behind him, Marsh moved with purpose.“Morphine’s coming in three, two—got him.”
A burn traced Ezra’s arm—sharp, then dull.Something cold seeped into him.The pain didn’t go, but it blurred.
Bateman crouched beside him, voice clipped.“Still breathing.You stubborn bastard.”
Ezra coughed a little, head rolling toward him.“You’re gonna kick my ass...”
Bateman smirked.“Damn straight.”
Ezra gave a dry laugh, lips barely moving.“But Ricky first.”
“You earned it,” Ricky muttered, brushing bloody hair off Ezra’s forehead.“Every mile of this, you earned.”
Ezra’s vision dimmed again, but something lodged behind his sternum wouldn’t let go.Not yet.He turned his head slightly, eyes locking with Ricky’s.“She is real,” he said.“The girl.Van’s daughter.”
“I know.”
“I thought if I could bring her home...”His throat worked, ragged with guilt.“Maybe it would matter.Maybe leaving wouldn’t hurt so bad.”
Ricky swallowed.“It mattered, Ezra.”
A beat of silence.
