Page 149 of River Wild

Stunned, I stagger backward. Reaching out, I grab hold of the sofa, but I can’t stay up. My legs give out on me. I slide down the sofa, slumping to the floor.

River, help me. Please.

Neil walks over to me. He lowers to his knees beside me. “I’m sorry it has to be this way, Annie. But you’ve left me no choice. But this is good, you see. We can be together in death. We’ll both be reborn in heaven. You’ll be clean again.”

I blink up at him. I can’t breathe. It feels like water is filling my lungs. Like I’m drowning.

Neil lifts the gun to his head. He smiles at me. “See you on the other side, Annie.” Then, he pulls the trigger.

His body drops beside me.

The only thing I feel at the sight of him dead is relief.

Relief that he can’t hurt Hope.

Help, I try to yell, but only a gargled noise comes out.

Hope is crying.

Mama’s here, baby. I’m right here.

“Carrie! Oh God, no! No! No! No!”

River. He’s here.

He’s dragging Neil away from me. He’s at my side, lifting me into his lap.

“Carrie, baby, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay. I’m here. I’ve got you. I’m gonna call an ambulance. Just hold on, baby. I love you, Carrie. I love you so fucking much. Don’t leave me. Please.”

He’s crying. It hurts me to see it.

Please don’t cry, River.

His cell is against his ear. He’s calling emergency services.

Hope, I try to tell him. Go to Hope. But the words won’t work.

My lungs are burning. I’m choking to death.

I’m dying.

I know I’m dying.

I love you, I tell him with my eyes. And Hope. So, so much. Take care of her for me. Tell her every day that I love her.

I try to gasp in one more breath. To give me one more second with him.

And then—