Page 100 of Leave Me Behind
One way or another, I’m leaving this place tonight.
I won’t go back to Jenkins again, even if it breaks my heart.
“It’s fine. They can’t drive those things on this terrain. The woods are too thick.” Jobs says just above a whisper.
I nod and try to focus on not tripping as we scale down a rocky hillside.
“How far to the extract point?” I ask as Harrison offers me his hand to help me down the slope. He lifts his night vision goggles as the moon emerges and looks into my eyes. I forgot how his perfect nose pissed me off when we first met, his blond hair still as soft and smooth as before.
“About four more klicks south. We got lucky that Eren has a buddy in Canada—” Harrison’s head is thrown back with the force of a bullet. His blood coats my face and his hand is violently torn from mine.
“Harrison!” My shriek echoes through the small valley. Bradshaw is already forcing me forward away from our fallen comrade.
“Shots fired!” Jefferson shouts and we collectively sprint for the next grouping of trees.
I glance back at Harrison’s still body. My stomach lurches, but I swallow the bile that rises.Don’t let his death be for nothing.I force my legs to move faster. The branches whip at us as we crash through the underbrush.
Eren leads with surety and sets a ruthless pace. A few more shots ring distantly through the treetops. I hope it wasn’t for Harrison.
After two klicks, Eren slows down and has us group up in the cover of low-bearing trees. He speaks quickly and with ragged breaths. “We have to cross the plains to reach the extraction point. Jenkins wasn’t supposed to be back this early, so we might have mines in the valley and air trouble. I want everyone tight and focused.” He looks from Jefferson to Pete, me, and then Bradshaw. There’s pain in his eyes for Harrison not being here. “There’s no way out if we miss that chopper.”
I nod gravely.
They came back for me. One is already dead for it.
When we reach the edge of the treeline, our feet slow. Eren raises his fist and we stop at his signal. He listens for the four-wheelers.
Bradshaw moves to stand beside his twin. Their shoulders move heavily with each breath and they share a hushed conversation.
“He refused to let you go,” Pete says sadly as he repositions his M16 to give his hand a break. I nod, not breaking my trance on Bradshaw.
Jefferson chuckles, but his tone isn’t happy. “He would’ve come alone if he had to.”
My throat tightens. It must tear them up inside that we left Harrison’s body back there. “I’m sorry about Harrison.”
They lower their heads.
“Bunny, stay by my side while we move out there,” Bradshaw mutters as he turns his attention to me and offers his hand.
“Stay vigilant,” I say to Pete and Jefferson. They offer uncertain grins but nod.
“You too, Bunny.”
I move to Bradshaw’s side and firm my trembling hands over my gun.We could easily all die out here.
“Hey, we’re going to be okay.” Bradshaw pulls me close to him and he presses a sweet kiss on my cheek. I try to nod, but it’s weak.
Eren stares down at me and hardens his gaze. “There’s no reality in which I don’t get you two out of here. I have sins to pay for and you’re first on my list.” He smiles at me and taps my forehead. “For what it’s worth, I always did like you.”
My brows knit and I give him a small smile back. “Right back at you, Sarge.”
The clouds shroud the moon and darkness falls over us like a blanket of mist. “No matter what happens out there we’ll always be connected. Should this be our last mission together, know I’ve never worked with finer soldiers.” Eren’s voice is reminiscent and for the first time since meeting him, I see fear flash through his eyes. Regret for the past, and perhaps hope for what remains of his underground squad to be free.
Jefferson and Pete step closer, setting their hands on his shoulder. Bradshaw sets his hand over theirs. I place mine on Eren’s chest and a flicker of sorrow threads across his features.
“We’ll get out, Sarge,” Jefferson says quietly. Pete and Bradshaw nod confidently.
Eren shuts his eyes and smiles before nodding. “Let’s go.”
