Page 5 of Shockproof

There’s even a possibility for a full recovery depending on the exact injuries sustained; however, so much shit can go so wrong between when someone was hurt and when someone can receive proper treatment.

Let’s just say having to MacGyver up some shit – as Blu would label it – to stabilize that type of wound isn’t exactly taught in a textbook.

Sometimes the best thing you can really do in those situations is improvise and use a little of the Bon Jovi prayer living magic.

“Is he…Is he um…Is he um…gonna make it?” Arley quietly inquires, voice undeniably shaky.

She doesn’t even let my mouth lower to respond.

“What if he doesn’t?” Seeing her quivering jaw momentarily paralyzes me in place. “What if hediesbecause ofme?”

“No.” The stern finger point she’s presented is unforgiving. “Youwon’tdo that shit, Angel Cake. Youwon’ttake responsibility for somethin’ that isn’t your fault.”

“But it is my fault!” Tears noticeably seep into her tone. “I’mthe one who found the pattern!I’mthe one who wouldn’t stop digging!I’mthe one hunting for answers!I’m-”

“Not the one who hired someone to kill you,” I coldly state prompting her to press her lips tightly together. “Youdidn’t make the mistake of betrayin’ this company, Arley.” One step closer is unconsciously taken. “And you damn sure weren’t the one who made the mistake of crossin’me.” Letting my thumb reach out to brush away the droplet that’s managed to slip down her cheek is executed without a second thought. “Now, cowboy up, Angel Cake. I needyouto help take care ofyouwhile I go take care of him.”

A single sniffle is presented prior to a nod.

“Go ahead and put the safety on but keep that weapon within reach at all times. Roger?”

Nodding precedes the completion of the action. “Roger.”

“Blu, call Reynolds.” Moving backwards towards the captive occurs during the additional instructions. “Have him meet me in sector c for enhanced interrogation.”

“You don’t want me running second?”

“I want youhere,” I bitterly state as I snatch the restrained male’s feet off the ground. “Outside that door. Shootinganyoneoranythingthat tries to get inside while I’m gone.”

He nods his understanding. “Roger that.”

“What do you need from me?” Seventeen swiftly investigates, adjusting his tie to assist in signifying his importance.

“Nothing.”

The blunt response has Blu clamping his mouth shut to trap in his laughter.

Our boss doesn’t hesitate to narrow his gaze. “I can dosomething, Wahl.”

“Nope.”

“I can handle a task.”

“Nope.”

“Come on, I’m capable of doing more than you think I am. You know that.”

Do I?

“I’veproventhat.”

Unfortunately…he has.

First with a rifle.

Then with that sucker punch.

However, it’s the latter that leads to me reminding him, “You’ve also proven you can’t take orders, Lenkov.”

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