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I put my hand on his shoulder. “You’ll be fine, Christopher. I won’t let anything happen to you. You’ve got this. I promise.” The victims claimed by the mountains, my Marine brothers who I’ve lost to war, and Colton have all left dings in my soul. I have no desire to add Christopher to the mix. “And just think of the cool story you’ll have to tell your friends.”
That gets a slight smile from him.
Garrett and I get Christopher’s father into the stretcher. Once he’s securely fastened in, the crew waiting at the top of the cliff pulls him up. Garrett goes with him.
His eyes big and round, Christopher watches his father while I help him into his harness. I fasten it, ensuring it’s secure.
“Don’t worry, Christopher,” I tell him with a confident smile. For his benefit. “We’ll be out of here in no time. You just need to do exactly what I tell you. Can you do that for me?”
He slowly nods his head, looking no less worried than before.
“You see those men up there?” I point to the guys peering over the cliff edge.
“Yes.” Christopher’s voice is small and hitched, his fear a fist around my heart.
“They’re gonna pull you up. That’s why you’re wearing this harness. It will keep you safe. Do you like Spiderman?”
More nodding.
“Well, that’s who you’re gonna be. You’re gonna climb this cliff like Spiderman.”
His eyes grow wider. “Like a superhero?”
I smile again, keeping my concern about the growing wind from my face. “Exactly like a superhero.”
I instruct Christopher on what I want him to do and tell the two men assisting us from the top of the cliff that we’re ready. Garrett and Christopher’s father are almost at the top.
“You’ll need to move quickly,” Sheldon says on the walkie-talkie. “The wind’s picking up.”
“Ten-four.” I release the button. “Okay, Christopher. We need to start climbing.” I keep my voice calm and even. I’ve been in countless dangerous situations and have come close to losing my life more than once. I’ve been able to work with a level head, powering past emotions that only serve to defeat.
It’s different when kids are involved.
A little boy’s life, his future, is in my hands.
I get him into position, praying the wind will hold back long enough for me to get him to safety.
He cautiously moves up the cliff face, following my instructions. He’s a natural. A real Spiderman. I use my body to protect him from the elements.
“You’re doing great, Christopher,” I call out over the increasing wind. The roar of the wind and the flapping of the nylon fabric of my zipped-up windbreaker make it more challenging to hear what I say. Shit, why couldn’t the wind have held off a little longer?
Raindrops splatter on Christopher and me. Shit. If we hadn’t already started to climb, we would’ve been forced to wait until after the storm.
Not. Much. Farther.
The wind continues to howl and whistle through the valley, rivaled only slightly by the loud beat of my heart encouraging me on.
Only two more yards to go. “Attaboy, Christopher. We’re almost there.” The wind drowns out my words.
Any other time, I’d keep my body close to the rock face, but that’s not possible now. Not when I’m using it to shield Christopher. He’s my first priority.
A strong gust of wind knocks into me, causing me to lose my grip on the wet rock face. The slippery surface doesn’t help when it comes to getting a foothold. I’m flung sideways.
I put my arm out to brace for impact a fraction of a second before I’m slammed into a huge rock jutting from the cliff. Pain shoots down my arm. Fuck. I’m pretty sure I’ve just dislocated my shoulder.
Christopher screams and clings tightly to the rock.
“Hold on, Christopher!” Garrett yells, peering over the edge. “I’m coming for you.”
