Page 351 of Scars of Fate

“For being hurt?”

“For making her afraid.”

The answer struck Lucas.

I felt it in the way his fingers tightened.

Boone continued climbing.

“I’ll tell her I thought about her every second. I’ll tell her I knew she was waiting. And I’ll tell her…”

His voice broke.

“That I did everything I could to get back.”

“Then climb,” I whispered.

Boone looked toward the stairs above him.

And climbed.

One step.

One promise.

One agonizing pull at a time.

The helicopter rotors grew louder through his camera.

Kane was preparing to leave.

Hawk studied the upper level.

“He’s moving the hostages onto the helipad.”

“How many guards?” Adam asked.

“Several visible. Maybe more.”

Boone reached the final landing.

He collapsed against the wall.

His chest rose and fell violently.

Blood had soaked through the side of his shirt.

“Status?” Adam asked.

“Fantastic.”

“Truth.”

“Ankle’s broken. Bullet went through my side. A couple of ribs might be cracked.”

“Can you continue?”

Boone lifted his head.