Page 100 of Mountain Void

The gunshot exploded just a Lorenz’s body crashed into her and Théo, throwing them backward into the snow with enough force to leave them breathless.

Above her, Lorenz’s body jerked.

No.

Anger tore through her, finally overcoming her fear.

This couldn’t be happening. She wouldn’t let it happen.

Charlie pushed against Lorenz’s body, looking to dislodge him, but it was like pushing against a mountain.

Then the forest erupted around them, suddenly alive with voices, lights, and shouted commands.

Bullets pinged, but Charlie couldn’t tell who was firing anymore.

All she knew was Lorenz was on top of her, heavy and terrifyingly still.

“Lorenz—“

He lifted his head a fraction.

“Stay down,” he whispered.

Alive.

He’s alive.

Relief hit so hard it was almost painful.

Then he was moving, shoving himself upright with obvious effort. He offered her a hand, which Charlie ignored as she and Théo stood up.

“Are you okay?” Lorenz asked Théo. His voice was laced with pain.

The boy nodded bravely.

Charlie caught sight of Pelletier, lying facedown on the snow. A gendarme had his knee on the man’s back, and was pulling on some handcuffs.

“My father …”

“You’re safe now. Your father’s going to get the help he needs.”

No longer a threat.

Charlie sagged, but this was no time to sag. She had to stay strong, for Théo.

“I want to see my mom,” the boy said.

“I’ll stay with you until we find her,” Charlie promised.

Her gaze went back to Lorenz. He swayed against the orange glow of the burning hut. She saw the dark stain on his upper back. No exit wound. The bullet was still inside.

Charlie hurried towards him, but someone else reached him first.

“Jesus,” Ry said, grabbing Lorenz before he could fall. “You look terrible.”

Lorenz made a low sound. “You took your sweet time. Stopped for dinner on the way?”

Ry laughed.