Page 228 of Scars of Fate

The explosion lifted the vehicle.

We slammed down hard.

The engine died.

The aircraft sat less than a hundred yards ahead.

Behind us, Meridian’s vehicle accelerated.

Armed men poured onto the runway.

“Go!” Adam shouted.

Doors flew open.

The Brave exited firing.

Lucas dragged me from the vehicle.

Ghost ran toward the aircraft.

Russ helped the injured pilot while Boone limped beside them, providing cover.

Hawk protected the right flank.

Adam moved along the left.

Bullets struck the runway around us.

“Stay behind me!” Lucas shouted.

I held the pistol he had given me.

“I’m still here!”

The aircraft’s engines roared as the pilot increased power.

Meridian’s men spread across the runway.

Lucas fired.

One fell.

Boone dropped another.

But more emerged from the trees.

We weren’t going to reach the aircraft.

A man stepped from the Meridian vehicle.

Tall.

Dark hair.

Military posture.

He didn’t carry a weapon.