Chapter 40
JEFF
Pain coursed through my body as Ellie’s screams grew distant. Rolling to my side, I tried to push up, to get to her, but with every movement, my vision turned black.
I barely heard the crunch of boots as I collapsed back on the ground, but the sudden shade over my body told me I was no longer alone.
“It’s a shame I had to do that. You know, you weren’t supposed to be here.”
My words caught in my throat as a boot lodged in my side, just inches from where I was bleeding out. I barely rolled enough to vomit before everything turned black.
Despite the lack of consciousness, I could still feel the drain on my body, the way my blood flowed freely from my wound. I knew I needed to get help, but the fogginess in my head was preventing me from doing much of anything.
After what felt like hours, the fog lifted just enough for me to peel my eyes open and stare up into the bright sun.
Ellie. I had to get help.
Fighting back the pain, I rolled to my side, moving as quickly as I could despite the fact that every time I moved, darkness started to ebb into my vision. It only took a single look at my shirt to know that I needed to get help, or I would die out here.
Pressing my hand to my wound, I bit back the scream that lodged in my throat.
One step at a time, Jeff. Just get to the fucking phone.
Leaning hard against the Jeep, I crawled to the passenger door, each move more excruciating than the last. Spots filled my vision and the overwhelming need to pass out pressed in hard on me, but somehow, I pushed through.
Fumbling with the door, it took most of my energy to get the damn thing open. Snatching the phone, I collapsed on the ground, still pressing my hand as much as I could to my side.
“Call…Mike…” I said heavily, my eyes drooping more and more with every second that passed.
I barely heard the ringing on the other end. I was losing consciousness fast, and if the damn line didn’t connect, I was as good as dead.
“This better be important. I’m in the middle of—”
“Mike,” I croaked out, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Jeff, what’s going on?”
“Shot,” I managed to get out.
“What? Jeff, what the fuck—”
Breathing was becoming difficult. The pain was overwhelming, and with that sun beating down on me, I doubted I had much time left.
“County…Line. An hour…out.”
“I’m on my way. Just stay with me, man.”
“Ellie,” I whispered, pressing my hand harder to my side. “He…got her.”
“Who?”
I shook my head, but he couldn’t see that. Not that my brain could process any of that right now.
“Jeff, stay with me, man. I’m on my way.”
“Tell…Ryder.”
“Jeff! Fucking listen to me, okay?”
I nodded slightly, a chuckle leaving my lips as I thought about how ironic it was that my brother went off to war, but I was the one who got shot.
“Love you, man.”
The phone slipped from my fingers and I passed out.