“Get your own!” I jam it the rest of the way on, then shove him a pouch as foggy smoke fills the van.
JJ lunges to the front, reaching for the metal can.
One arm-length away.
Fingers, reaching—
Bang!
The gunshot sounds like a cannon blast.
JJ grunts, and staggers back, clapping a hand to his forearm.
Coughing, choking.
Blood.
JJ’s shot.
I fumble for my gun. Have to get out. Have to save them.
But my eyes burn, even with the full-face mask.
Lungs hurt.
Arm hurts.
While we cough, fumbling like tipped-over turtles, someone pounds our siding.
Smash!
Smash!
Smash!
Then the van rattles.
The door finally gives, sliding open.
Blind, I shoot above my head.
A sweet scream rings.
I shoot and shoot and shoot until my gun clicks. Then I toss it, reaching through the smoke, trying to find the guys’ weapons.
But they were counting bullets.
Arms snag and lift, pulling me kicking through the door.
I flail, thrash, scream into the smoke.
The figure drags me out, tearing off my mask.
I choke, vision starting to spin.
For a second, I see Orion and relax.
He’s safe.