Page 36 of Lucky Charm

She didn’t say anything, but the small smile in her otherwise exhausted, pale face touched his heart.

He squatted, and she hitched on his back. He moved forward. The need to hurry twisted through his gut. The trail’s indentations were like breadcrumbs in a fairy tale. The gray day barely gave enough light to move around, which was fine as a camouflage strategy, but not so good on the footing and discerning the path.

“Are you warm enough?”

“Yeah, holding my own.” Her words were exposed for the lie they were by the shiver.

“Doc, I need you to tell me the truth.” His quiet words snapped her upright.

“We can’t stop. I’m warm enough against your back. I promise I’ll tell you if it’s anything you can do something about.”

“Fair enough.”

He forced himself to take measured steps to keep his footing. They were nearing the ridge when he froze, listening to the forest.

Footfalls.

He turned to check the path. His radio clicked.

“Alpha One, coming up on your six,” whispered in his ear.

Baxter.

He wanted to ask why the change in plans, but he kept radio silence and carefully moved to the side of the trail where their position would be covered by the rocky plain. “Down, Doc.”

She slid off his back. “What’s wrong?”

He kept his hands on her wobbly frame until she was stable. “Baxter. Moving in behind us. Stay here.”

Hunt went back up the trail, eyes searching for the man. Baxter appeared carrying Quaid.

He met Baxter half-way. “What happened?”

“Shot.”

“Is he conscious?”

“Yeah, I’m here.” Quaid’s voice was rough, but clear. “I didn’t want to drip blood all over. I’m messing up Baxter’s gear.”

“Yeah, but none of it dripped.” Baxter’s grim face told the story.

“Let’s get up the trail to that outcropping. Doc’s there.” Hunt pointed the direction he wanted them to go. “Do you have the med kit?”

“No.” Baxter looked sheepish. “Couldn’t take time to find Carter. I do have bits and pieces that I pilfered from Doc’s medical bag before we left the vehicle.”

“Drop him with Doc and get up another half a klick. Let’s try for radio contact.” The last attempt had netted them a big fat bunch of no reception.

“Understood.”

“You can put me down now.” Quaid complained. “I can walk.”

“No,” Baxter moved up the hill, carrying the man.

Hunt trailed behind checking the path for blood. Baxter was right. There wasn’t any. At least their position would be kept under wraps.

“What happened?” Cait snapped, all doctor in her tone.

“Took a bullet to the side.” Baxter shifted the man off his shoulder and laid him neatly to the ground. Quaid gave a slight groan, then cut off the noise.