Page 77 of Mountain Impact

Blanchard considered for a moment.

“No. I can’t do that. I’ll figure out a way to dispose of your bodies.”

Drake swallowed past his fear. There had to be something he could do to protect Isolde.

“Which one of you wants to go first?”

Isolde took her hand in his and squeezed his hand. He could feel her shaking, but her touch was strong. He squeezed back gently, trying to convey with this touch his love for her.

A tear rolled down her cheek.

I’m sorry, sweetheart.

“Let her go, Blanchard. She has nothing to do with this, she won’t say anything,” he begged. Isolde’s hand tightened further.

“I’m not going anywhere without you,” she said.

“Do you two think I’m stupid?” Blanchard asked. Anger mottled his face red.

I think you’re a crazy, murdering asshole.

Drake looked head-on at the man. “I think you’re insane if you don’t realize my team will hunt you down for this.”

“You go first, just so I don’t have to listen to you anymore.” Blanchard’s finger tightened on the trigger. Drake looked head-on at the edge of the barrel, knowing he wouldn’t see the bullet that ended his life.

In the silence of the forest, the sound of the bullet was deafening―then everything happened in a rush.

Damien, Jens and Hiro ran out from behind the trees, each holding a gun ahead of them. A red stain appeared on Blanchard’s chest and he fell to the ground.

Damien ran over to kick Blanchard’s gun away from him. The man wasn’t moving.

“Are you okay?”

Drake staggered―with relief, this time.

Isolde tried to hold him, but Drake eased her hands off him. There was no way she could bear his weight. He went down on his knees hard.

“Drake!” she cried out, falling to her knees beside him. “Please help him!”

Jens was beside him in an instant, easing him down onto the ground. “Drake? Where are you hurt?”

“Blanchard shot him in the back,” Isolde stuttered.

Jens pulled Drake’s body towards him, raising his T-shirt. The doctor’s look was grim.

“Bullet’s still in there. Where’s that ambulance, Commandant?”

“ETA five minutes,” Damien replied. “Kat called them a while ago, just in case.”

“Hold on, Drake,” Jens said. “Help is on its way.”

Drake found himself searching for Isolde.

“You okay?” he whispered.

“Please hold on, Drake. Don’t leave me.”

Drake nodded, feeling more relaxed than he ever remembered feeling. Even the pain was starting to fade. He started to close his eyes, then opened them again. There was one thing he needed to say to her, au cas où. Just in case.