Page 69 of Protecting You

But below the squishing of leaves, the snapping of twigs, the whooshing of branches pushed aside as they ran past, he picked up another sound. A low buzz, growing louder.

He had a bad feeling about that buzz.

A figure bolted toward them from the right, a guard who must’ve been posted deep in the woods.

Alyssa gasped, shifting away. But the guy had the angle on her. She wouldn’t outrun him.

“Take this!” Callan shoved his backpack forward, and she grabbed it. “Remember your promise!” Not waiting for an answer, Callan ran straight for the guard.

The man shouted. “Over here!” It was Benson.

Callan barreled into him, and they both tumbled onto the soft, damp earth.

Benson landed on top.

Callan tried to add momentum to their roll to gain the upper hand, but Benson saw the move coming and stuck out his leg, bracing them both. He straddled Callan and reared his fist back for a punch.

Callan landed a sharp jab to his chin, which knocked his head back. He attempted to buck him off, but Benson was trained and prepared, clamping his knees tightly against Callan’s sides.

A punch came out of nowhere, landing on the side of his head.

He saw the second coming through blurred vision.

He fought back, fought hard, but this guy was strong and capable.

Callan landed punches of his own. But more enemies would be coming. Regardless how hard he fought, he would eventually lose. He could beat Benson, but not in time to escape.

Didn’t matter.

All Callan needed to do was keep him busy until Alyssa made it to the rock wall.

She’d be safe.

He wouldn’t worry about himself. If he didn’t survive this…?

Peri.

His daughter’s image floated across his mind. Long brown hair that perpetually needed to be brushed. Big brown eyes always filled with sadness and worry. Peri had already endured so much heartache.

She didn’t need to bury another parent.

Regret landed heavier than any punch Benson could throw.

Too late, Callan realized that for all his trying to protect others, he’d failed to protect himself.

And therefore, failed to protect his daughter.

I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

God, help me!

Alyssa dropped the laptop bag and searched for something, anything she could use.

Precious seconds ticked past. Seconds filled with the sounds of battle. Of landed punches and gasps.

And then she kicked something hard.

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