He tried unrolling the window, but the electrical system failed. It was dark, it was bitter cold, and they were about to become submerged in the raging river. Despite the mayhem, he stayed focused on getting them out.
“Brit.”
No response.
He unbuckled, reached over and unfastened her belt. They had seconds before the vehicle would start to fill with water.
“I’m not a good swimmer,” she said, her voice tight with tension.
“I got you.”
I can do this.
Feeling his way, he moved into the back seat, sat lengthwise and kicked at the side window with the heel of his boot. Nothing.
C’mon.
The frigid water started seeping in.
“Rebel, what’s happening?”
“Breathe slow and deep. I’m kicking out the window in the back seat.”
Again, he shoved his foot against the bullet-proof glass. Fucking nothing. Anger took hold, giving him the boost he needed. No way would he let them die. Digging deep, he kicked again and again. The window gave way. Water poured in.
“Brit, we’re gonna swim to the surface. Come back here.”
Nothing.
He grabbed her and pulled her to the back seat, the water level rising fast. Her breathing was fast and way too shallow.
“Britain, we can do this.”
No response. They were almost out of air, their heads just above the water.
“We’re gonna be okay. Donotlet go of me, even if you feel the water pulling you away.”
“Got it.”
“On three, we’re gonna hold our breath. One. Two. Big breath. Three.”
Water filled the vehicle. He grasped her wrist and made his way through the window, the freezing cold water a shock to his system. With his free hand, he gripped the frame of the SUV while pulling her through the window and clear of the vehicle. The SUV began sinking to the murky depths below.
Time to let go.
He was an excellent swimmer. Now he would be put to the ultimate test.
I can do this.
He needed to get them to the surface, so he started swimming. Their clothing, their boots, everything was pulling them down to their watery graves. Fear crept in, but he shoved it out.
Fight. Fight with everything I’ve got.
Her grasp on his wrist weakened and she started slipping away from him. Struggling against the current, he pulled her to him, wrapped his arm under hers and around her chest. Gripping her tight with one arm, he swam toward the faint light at the surface with the other.
His lungs started burning, the need for oxygen numbing his thoughts. His muscles grew fatigued, the cold settling into his bones.
The frigid water had become a death trap, but he couldn’t let it win. Giving up was not an option.
