Page 94 of Less

His breathing grows uneven.

“I swear to God, Amanda. I believed them. I thought they did their due diligence.”

Tears fill my eyes.

Because I believe him.

Immediately.

Completely.

“But those buildings? The town? It wasn't empty.”

His voice is barely above a whisper now.

“I found children.”

I cover my mouth.

“A group of orphans hiding in the basement.”

His entire body trembles.

“I begged my team leader to stop. Just give me time.”

I reach for him immediately.

Take his hand.

Hold on.

“He refused.”

“So I went rogue.”

He laughs again.

Broken.

“I disobeyed orders. Started getting the kids out myself. Team leader was pissed as fuck, screaming at me, all kinds of threats and consequences. I just turned off my radio.”

His eyes shine with tears now.

“I tried, Rusty. I fucking tried to get them all out. There was one boy though,” his voice catches.

My own tears begin falling.

“Couldn't have been more than fourteen.”

Less squeezes his eyes shut.

“Did he?”

I gulp.

“He lived, but he lost his leg because I wasn't fast enough. Because I fucking hesitated. I asked too many questions, thinking they’d listen. Do the right thing. I should’ve known better. Should’ve acted quicker.”

“Stop,” I whisper through tears.