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‘That’s not a fair question.’
‘Perhaps not, but it’s the only question there is.’
Rae stared helplessly, her mind raging as out of control as the torrent in front of her.
‘Fine,’ she snapped at length. ‘But if you’re going then I’m coming with you.’
She had no idea how the hell she was supposed to do it. All she knew was that she wouldn’t, couldn’t, let Myles go alone.
She was reaching up and grabbing a second rope for herself when his fingers locked tightly against her wrist, stilling her movement.
‘I can’t let you do that, Raevenne.’
She pursed her lips, if only to keep them from shaking.
‘If you can, then I can.’
He leapt down in one easy movement, coming to stand in front of her, his fingers beneath her chin to tilt her head up. Forcing her to meet his eyes.
‘You aren’t coming, Rae,’ he repeated softly.
She blinked back the hot, prickling sensation behind her eyes, which had no business being there.
‘You can’t go on your own.’
‘I can. Besides, we can’t both leave the truck.’
‘Myles.’
‘Stop, Rae. Just listen to me. This is what’s going to happen. I’m going to tie up and get into the back whilst you drive back upstream until I say to stop. Then I’m going to get out and start to cross the river. As the current pulls me downstream the truck will hold me fast. But you keep the engine running and if anyone, anyone, approaches you, I’ll untie my end of the rope and you’ll drive as fast as you can to camp.’
‘No!’ She wasn’t sure if she actually shrieked. ‘I won’t leave you.’
Was it really possible for a heart to race and hang simultaneously? What Myles was saying was preposterous. If he wasn’t tied up, that current would pull him under and smash him against whatever rocks lay on the river bed. His body could end up so far downstream they would never find him.
‘Yes, you will. You have to.’
‘Myles—’
He cut her off.
‘This woman needs our help, Rae. This kid needs our help. So I’m going to cross and you’re going to stay with the truck.’
‘And wait for you to get back?’
‘No, just until I’ve crossed. Then I’m going to release the rope and you’re going drive to camp. Just like if someone approaches you.’
She opened her mouth to object but he pre-empted her.
‘And the longer you argue, the less chance his mother has.’
‘But, Myles...’
‘Get a team and wait for me at the bridge. If I can get her down to you, I will.’
‘And if you can’t. If the baby is coming?’
‘Then I’ll try to deliver it. I watched you enough times in your clinic, I can make a decent attempt. I might not be you but if I’m all she has then I’m better than nothing.’
