There’s escalating panic in her words. Like she’s so exhausted and fearful, she’s losing the ability to focus. Her feet we can fix, but if she’s dead, there’s nothing I can do to bring her back from that.
And ifshe’sa mess, I can only imagine what state Garrett is in. I rein in the wave of nausea I feel.
“I’m sure they hurt, sweetheart, but I want you to look around. I know it’s dark, but can you see any landmarks? A road? Power lines? Anything man-made?”
“Not really. Just hills as we walked to the mine. It was sort of collapsed. We were able to walk deep into it before the actual vertical shaft was sealed up.”
I quickly relay the information to Smoke.
As I do, I hear Grudge say, “Wren, do whatever the fuck you need to do to stop the signal from pinging around.”
“Isla,” I say. “I need you to do something brave. I need you to turn on the flashlight on your phone and wave it in the air.”
“I have Garrett’s phone, I’ll do it with that one.”
There’s fumbling, then a sharp inhale, followed by a mournful sob.
“You’re doing so good, Isla. I’m really proud of you, sweetheart.”
“He’s hurting Garrett,” she sobs. “I should go back. But I saw the phones and ran while they fought.”
“Binoculars,” Smoke yells. “Anyone who has a pair, look for any sign of a moving light from a cellphone flashlight.”
“Good girl,” I say. “Garrett would want you safe. And we might be able to find you from what you’re doing.”
The members who have binoculars in their kit get off their bikes. They walk to the edge of the old trail and turn in circles, looking for any sign of the flashlight.
Every miserable second that creeps by unlocks another level of fear.
I did some horrific things to Paltrow. If he’s repeating even half of them on Garrett…
I gag, my stomach revolting.
Catfish slams his hand on my back, hard, then squeezes my shoulder. I rally.
“Wave it, Sunshine. High. Slow. Like you’re bringing an airplane in to land.”
“Oh, God,” she cries, right after I hear the faint sound of a gunshot in the distance, louder through the phone.
Most of us look in the same direction, but the sound could be bouncing off rocks, for all I know.
My heart stops beating. We’re close, but too far to be any damn use.
“Someone just fired a gun,” Isla whispers. “I need to go.”
“No.” I slam my fist against the handlebars of my bike. “No, no, no. Isla, listen to me. Do not run back into the mine shaft. Stay where you are.”
“But Garrett’s in there. He’s still fighting.”
“Something he’s been trained for. Stay safe and let him fight Paltrow without worrying about your safety.” Because I saw the video. I saw Garrett’s compliance when they left the house because Paltrow had the gun up against Isla.
“He shouldn’t have to fight alone, though. I can help.”
“I know,” I say, the truth burning like acid. “But you can’t go back. If he already shot Garrett, you’ll be next. Don’t let him take you both again. You need to get to cover.”
Tears of frustration sting my eyes. If either of them dies, I’ll never be able to get over this conversation.
“I love you with my whole fucking heart, Isla. I love Garrett the same. And it will kill me forever if he’s gone, but I won’t survive it if you’re gone too.”
