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“Yeah…”
“Go! They need you! Pendergast, can you fire your gun, soldier?”
“Huh?” Pendergast was in no condition to fight, and could barely stand up. He was weaving badly and holding his head – and Eric could see that they were in all in bad shape. Reloading his gun, he leaned back out from his vantage point and began firing again to provide cover while Beck took inventory of their injured.
“Morrison! Do you have a radio? I need the medical team now!” Beck was yelling at him over the rapid-fire of bullets that was deafening, even for him.
“Youaremedical!” Eric snapped hotly, not sure what this ornery woman was expecting him to do. They were all pinned down.
“I need him in the clinic! Ortega is dying…” Beck said bluntly and winced, just as Eric heard Pendergast crying out in alarm as she glared at him.
“Oh Jesus save us! Ortega?! Ortega! Hey buddy… man… you gotta hang on…”
“I NEED THE CLINIC NOW!” the tiny ‘general’ roared hotly, before turning back inside and grabbing Ortega’s limp body under the arms, pulling him from the truck before proceeding to start dragging him towards the gates in the distance.
“You freakin’ idiot,” Eric snarled. “You’re gonna get us all killed by doing some dumb, fool-hardy, stupid… TRIGGER, STAY PUT!” he roared hotly, realizing that if he took a bullet it would hurt, but it could kill his sweet pup that was his buddy.
Trigger did not look happy in the slightest and was growling angrily at him, remaining still as the other soldiers ran forward to the gates. Eric stood up in the open, firing openly with his pistol in one hand and snatching Ortega’s from his holster. Arms akimbo, he was firing wildly and knew it, simply to give cover.
A plane roared overhead, swooping low and giving recovery fire to them, causing Eric, Selkirk, Peña, and Keyes to dive behind the truck for protection.
Everything was happening so fast, in such a blur.
There was such an organized chaos as men moved forward, armed, and taking steps to defend the base’s entry… as the attackers started to dissipate, hiding from those that were now fighting back with everything they had, protecting their own.
Eric saw Captain Logan was carrying a limping soldier, Turner, maybe? They were moving towards the base as someone else was dragging Collins, who obviously had two broken legs – one of them severe.
The entire world was menacing in this moment. He could hear bombs going off, planes roaring overhead, bullets firing left and right – and it was a wonder they were still standing. This was certainly Hell’s litterbox, and he was done.
He loved his country, and it was an honor to serve… but nothing was worth losing his chance to be a father to Max or a husband to his beloved Madison.
His heart belonged elsewhere now… and he knew it.
21
MADISON
Madison wascertain she was going to throw up.
The stress and anxiety were too much. She now knew why people called it their ‘breaking point,’ because she could feel herself splintering. Dread, paranoia, fear, trepidation, were all warring for the front seat of the rollercoaster within her mind, body, and heart… fighting against the frustration and hatred that was nearly overwhelming.
Closing her eyes, she prayed silently as she waited at the front of the courtroom dutifully. Eric had texted and was on his way… supposedly.
I’m stuck and hurrying.
I’ll meet you at the courthouse as quick as I can.
Alright.
Breathe, M&M – it will be okay. I promise.
I’m scared, Eric…
I know. I’m hurrying, my love
She felt a hand touch her shoulder and looked over to see Lily sitting beside Officer Watson – whom Madison had asked to speak on her behalf. Tabitha was there to give a statement about the man that had been following her, since she had talked to one of them in front of her house, caught in the act of snapping photos.
“Thank you so much for coming,” she said gratefully, feeling her throat close up with tears as dread filled her the moment Asher walked into the courtroom beside his attorney.
