My heart hollows. Where is she? I straighten and look around with panic.
A small mound of black clothing catches my eye.
I run to her, falling to my knees when I see all the blood.
John’s body is on top of her, and Briar’s arms are wrapped around his chest still. My lower lip trembles as I push my comrade’s body off her slowly.
Briar’s eyes are closed, and she has cuts all over her face and hands from the glass. I watch closely until a breath plumes from her lips into the cold air.
I crumble and gather her into my arms, pressing my forehead to hers. She’s limp in my arms, but she’s okay. My shoulders shake as I cry with her in my embrace.
John’s body lies on the cold ground, and a dusting of snow is already starting to cover him. His eyes are set on us. My jaw wrenches as I let the tears fall.
“Thank you for keeping her safe, Bishop.” I lean forward with her in my arms and slowly close his eyes. His blood drenches the few inches of snow around him.
A hand falls on my shoulder and brings me back into the moment.
I look over my shoulder, and Gale’s helmet mirrors my reflection. For the first time, I see a man I could someday recognize.
“Sir, we have him.”
I absently nod and spare one final look for my sleeping brother before forcing myself to my feet with Briar in my arms.
“I can carry her,” Taylor offers, but I shake my head, holding her closer to my chest.
“Where is he?” I say with my hardened officer voice.
Bensen looks up from twenty feet away and signals me over.
Sutherland takes ragged breaths as he lies on his back staring up into the dark, stormy sky. His gaze shifts to me when I stop at his side.
His brown hair is smeared with red, and he looks considerably paler than usual. A lopsided grin spreads over his lips. “Thornton is okay,” he says with a weak and relieved voice.
“Where is Callum?” I ask hollowly.
He coughs a few times before looking back at the sky. “The lake… If you were smart…ngh…you would just run while you can.” He’s in a great deal of pain, but I don’t feel anything for him. I’m not sure Briar would feel the same way, but John is dead.
“You know I won’t.”
Grahm lets out a few short laughs. “I figured as much. Hey.” He meets my gaze once more. “Don’t hurt her again.”
I flex my jaw but give him a small nod.
He shuts his eyes. “I’m so f-fucking tired.”
I watch him for a few seconds before locking eyes with Bensen. I give him a brief head shake. Sutherland will bleed out on his own in a matter of minutes.
We have Briar, but we need to end this tonight. I don’t give a shit if Nolan wants Callum. He can have the goddamn flash drive. I’m not letting this go any further.
“Let’s go, Icarus.”
38
BRIAR
My chest feels constricted,almost, not uncomfortably, like I’m strapped to something. Or someone.
Ugh.I wince at the pounding headache and pain that seems to be throughout my bones. It’s loud and sounds like I’m on the highway or somewhere windy, but everything is muffled.
