Page 123 of Scars of Fate

Then a pilot’s voice came through.

“Brave Actual, this is Guardian One. Authentication Indigo Four-Seven.”

Adam’s shoulders relaxed slightly.

“Response: Courage.”

“Confirmed.”

Two medical helicopters rose above the mountains.

Two armed escorts followed close behind them.

This time, no one cheered.

We had learned what happened when help arrived too easily.

Russ and Boone established a perimeter around the landing zone while Hawk scanned every approaching aircraft through his scope.

The first medical helicopter touched down.

Its rotors blasted dirt and debris across the road.

Doctors rushed toward the overturned transport.

Janice emerged beside Samir’s stretcher.

Her broken wrist had been secured against her chest, but she refused to leave him.

Wynn pulled away from me and ran toward her.

“Is he stable?”

“Barely.”

Janice’s face was streaked with tears and blood.

“But he has a chance.”

The medics lifted Samir into the helicopter.

Wynn touched his hand before they carried him aboard.

“You’re going home,” she whispered.

His eyes remained closed.

“He can’t hear you,” Janice said.

“Yes, he can.”

Janice looked at her.

Then smiled faintly.

“I think you’re right.”

One of the flight medics reached for Janice.