“Oh, don't you dare to pass out here, you stupid idiot!”I cut the shirt with a kunai. There is a lot of blood but the cut did not hit the artery. That was the good news. Hewitt approaches and holds him still while I rinse the wound, heating the tip of the kunai with the lighter, resting it on the skin. Max doesn't have the strength to shout but a powerful grunt comes out of his mouth.“That's it, like new. Come on now, a sandstorm is coming “
Hewitt and Reed each take him by one arm and support him.
“Updates from up there?”I ask the guys.
“We have company! I only count two in a car that is about to stop near your building, “Reyesinforms me.
“I don't have a clear view, Kate,”Marcus adds.
“No problem, I do, but the other one is yours,”adds Reyes.
“Ok, thanks”I hold my gun by removing the safety. I know that Hewitt and Reed are shivering in anticipation but they are still going down with Max. I hear two shots and Roberts updates me that the way is clear.
“Roberts, you left the post uncovered”I scold him.
“No, ma’am, Marcus is there to cover you and Reyes to look over my shoulder”
“Great job guys, we are going back to base. Any update on the storm, Reyes?”
“It will break down here in less than an hour.”
“Let's move, then,”I order and all six of us leave safely.
Once seated in our car, I take out from my bag an energy chocolate bar and the bottle of water and give it to Max.
“Eat, I'm here. It's all over,”I say and I hug him.“You made me lose ten years of my life, you idiot!”He hugs me back.“This means that you are now older than me!”
We all laugh and the tension begins to subside.
Max makes a disgusted face “I hate these damned chocolate bars that you always carry with you. Next time, give them to your husband to eat if you really want to get rid of him.” I give him a light elbow on the chest.
“Dear brother, these tasty bars are a lifesaver. I only use them in emergency situations. And that’s it. You can surely imagine that I have them here since I don't know how long ago. Let me have a look, it may even have expired,”I say and I take the wrapper out of his hands. I know for sure that they are not expired, I bought them a month ago but I can still make fun of him.“Well, apparently, they have expired 6 months ago. I'm sorry, I hope they don't make you sick.”
Max's face is priceless“What??? You want to kill me!! Come on!”and takes the wrapper back to read the date. Then, he looks at me and I burst out laughing.“How the hell do they expire in 2025? If I find them at home, I'll feed them to that asshole husband of yours, I swear!”
“It will be difficult for you to do it. The asshole, as you call him, is no longer part of the family.”
“What do you mean?”
“It's a long story and you really have to rest, the only thing you need to know is that we signed the divorce papers, the rest doesn't matter.“
He sighs, closes his eyes and then smiles“Now I can die in peace. It took you 4 damn years to decide.”
I warn him“Max, no! Not here and not now, I'm exhausted, we'll talk about it later!”
We finally get to the base. I want a shower and a bed.
I get out of the car, Reed holds the door for me.
“Hewitt take Max to the doctor for a checkup please, I have to…” Idon’t know what happens next, I feel the earth slipping from under my feet. I feel two arms catching me. I hear Reed's voice calling me saying to open my eyes but I can't. I try but I'm so tired. I hear Hewitt swearing and then nothing.
Silence.
CHAPTER 10
hear voices but I can't move or open my eyes.
Max:“Reed, go rest, I'll stay here.”
