Page 223 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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83

Aspen

Idon’t let go of him.

Not for a second.

Even as we move.

Even as the men fan out around us again, weapons up, scanning the dark like something else might come out of it.

I hold my grandpa’s arm tight against me.

Too tight.

But I don’t care.

Because he’s here.

Because he’s alive.

Because I almost lost him.

“Easy, sweetheart,” he murmurs, patting my hand like I’m the one who needs comforting.

That does it.

A sob catches in my throat, but I swallow it down.

“I’ve got you,” I whisper instead.

Even though my hands are still shaking.

Even though my heart hasn’t slowed down.

Even though I can still see him—

Being dragged.

Confused.

Afraid.

I squeeze my eyes shut for half a second.

No.

He’s here now.

That’s what matters.

We walk slowly.

Carefully.

Havoc stays just ahead of us, leading the way, every step controlled, every movement deliberate.

But I see it.

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