“It’s not a narcotic. It’s Ketorolac. It’s used for sports injuries. It’ll help with the pain.” He checked the syringe, then turned back to Colin, swabbed his arm, and injected the medication. “I have to try to splint that ankle, so believe me, you’re going to want this stuff.”
“Peachy.” Colin’s hand tightened on Trent’s arm. “Does Josh know?”
“He’s on his way in the skiff. The ambulance will be waiting at the dock.”
“He’s gonna be pissed.”
“Once he’s done weeping and wailing.”
Colin snickered and gave Trent’s shoulder a playful punch.
Trent picked up the stick and then snapped it in two over his knee just as Alex returned with the items he’d requested, dumping them on the ground at his feet. “Alex, is that flashlight fixed good and solid?”
“It’s shining right down the river towards camp… pointed a little high so he can see it.”
“Good boy!” He pulled a sharp knife from the first aid kit and began to cut the rope into long sections. Once he had cut a half-dozen lengths, he turned back to Colin. “This is the part you’re gonna hate.”
Alex moved to sit near Colin’s head and took his hand. “You can squeeze my hand,” he said, smoothing Colin’s hair back from his forehead.
Trent moved swiftly, his hands working with practiced efficiency, wrapping the towels around Colin’s leg with as much care as possible. “I’ve got to splint your ankle,” he told Colin, his voice steady but urgent. “It’s gonna hurt, Colin. But I’ll be as gentle as I can, and the medication should help.”
Colin’s face was pale. “Just get it done,” he ground out, his voice raw.
Trent laid his hand on Colin’s shoulder and squeezed it. “Hang on.” He moved swiftly, positioning one stick along the outside of Colin’s leg against the cushion of the towels. The stick ran from just below his knee to beneath his foot. The other stick went on the inside, mirroring the first.
“This’ll keep your ankle from moving,” Trent explained. “It’s not gonna feel great, but it’ll stop the injury from getting worse.” His throat tightened, but his hands never faltered. He eased the ropes around Colin’s leg, first below the knee, then above theankle, and finally around the foot. His movements were swift but careful as he tightened the knots loosely.
Colin’s fingers dug into the earth, his knuckles white, while Alex clung to his other hand. “Just—just do it, Trent. I trust you.”
“Almost there, man,” Trent murmured, his voice low and soothing. “You’re doing great.”
Colin’s face was pale, sweat beading on his forehead, but his eyes stayed locked on Trent’s, fierce and unwavering. “Josh is … gonna kill me,” he whispered, a faint, broken smile curving his lips.
Trent’s chest tightened, his throat burning. “Yeah. And I’m gonna let him. But not before we get you out of here.”
Suddenly, the roar of a motor cut through the darkness. Alex’s head snapped up, his eyes wide. “Someone’s coming!”
Before Trent could respond, a flashlight beam emerged, bouncing wildly as the skiff shot out of the shadows, the silhouette of a figure behind the wheel. Alex’s mouth fell open. “It’s Josh!” He looked at Colin, then back at the skiff, his eyes wide with relief.
The skiff slowed as it approached, the engine’s roar echoing across the water as it skidded to a stop, the motor cutting off with a sputter as Joshua leaped out, mud and water spraying as he stumbled up the bank and dropped to his knees, collapsing over his husband.
“Didn’t you promise me you’d stay safe?” he accused in a shaking voice as he bent to press his lips to Colin’s forehead.
Colin’s face softened, his pain-glazed eyes locking on Joshua’s. “Hey there, babe.”
Joshua let out a soft, broken laugh, tears glistening on his cheeks. “Therewillbe a price to pay for this, you know.” His shaking fingers caressed Colin’s face, and he bent low over him, his chest seizing in a sob. “My love,” he choked out. “My sweet love.”
Colin’s fingers carded through Joshua’s hair, his lips forming a faint, crooked smile. “Everything’s gonna be all right.”
Trent’s voice was firm, steady. “OK. Now that we’re done making nice, Alex, get over here and hold his leg while I tighten this splint. Josh, I need you to hold him steady, hands on his shoulders. This is going to hurt like amother.”
Alex swallowed hard, his throat tight. He moved to Colin’s side near his injured leg, his hands trembling as he gently placed his hands where Trent indicated, keeping Colin’s leg as still as he could.
Colin’s eyes flicked to Alex, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
Trent’s voice was low and steady, his hand firm on Joshua’s shoulder. “OK, Josh. I need you to hold him as still as you can.”
Joshua’s head rose, his eyes seeking Trent’s.
