Page 108 of The Triangle

They are also mine.

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE - CHRISTINE

The thwomp of an RPG leaving a rocket launcher is a sound you never forget. You hear it once and that’s all it takes. One time and it’s burned into your memory for lifetimes to come.

So when I heard it, I dropped. It’s just instinct. I dropped to the muddy ground and thought, Welp. I had a good run.

And then the explosion happened. And I was still alive.

But my attacker—my… friend? Partner? Who the fuck is this guy?—behind me. He didn’t drop. He used those precious seconds to catch up.

God, I really suck at this job. I might need to hone my typing skills and work in that office after all.

He grabbed my ankle while I was still cowering. Gripped it tight. Like I was a prize he’d never let go of.

I kicked him hard. Hard. But the faceplate. The body armor. It didn’t do much. It just did enough.

He let go and I ran.

I run.

I run so hard, my panic so big, my breaths so desperate, my lungs and throat are burning like the hell I suddenly find myself in.

We are all gonna die today.

No. Not you, Christine.

Them.

Alec will die. Danny will die.

But somehow, I know I will live through this. This is not hell around me. Hell is waiting on the other side of tonight.

And then I see them. Danny, RPG rocket launcher mounted on his shoulder. Alec, staring at me like I’m a ghost in the mist.

And I hear the others behind us. The tinny voice in the faceplate yelling, “Here! Over here!”

And boots. I hear boots. I hear screams. I smell fire, and flesh, and chemicals.

And Danny yelling, “Say hello to my little friend!”

I smile at that. I smile all the way through the next thwomp.

Rational thought reemerges. I am not the weapon that will take them down.

We. Will not. Go down tonight.

The second explosion is closer. Just down the hill.

The boots stop. The screams grow louder.

I scramble, one last push to reach Alec. His arm extended thirty feet away. His hand outstretched. Like if I would just reach out now, he’d cover that distance and pull me into the safety of his arms.

So I do. I believe him. I reach.

And I stumble.

Face first into the mud.