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CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Leo picked the lock to the sliding glass door on the deck and slid inside after watching Dr. Klein walk to the back of the apartment. Ryder followed at his heels. His head cleared and his breathing slowed as he prepared to slay Claire’s monster.

Ryder heard Klein speaking to Claire.

Hold on, Claire Bear, I’m coming .

Shadow slipped through the front door as Taco covered the back stairs. Leo signaled the men and they moved as one toward the back, clearing the rooms as they went.

Leo motioned for Ryder to take the lead, as they heard Klein. “You’d want to die swiftly and with little fuss.” He turned the corner to see him insert a syringe into the bag and he took the shot. Ryder, Leo and Taco rushed in, removing Klein’s body from Claire. Chase rushed into the room, pulling the IV from her arm. Claire lay motionless on the bed. Ryder’s heart pounded in his chest as he held the upper half of her body. Chase checked her pulse and called 911.

Sirens blared as Ryder held her tightly, urging her to fight. They rushed her through the ER, Chase barking orders and giving vitals.

Someone said something to him. He didn’t hear. His body went numb as he slid against the wall.

Gunner, are you there? Silence met him. Now you choose to stop speaking to me? Damn it, I need her. She can’t be gone. Please tell me she makes it. I’ll do whatever you want. Make her fight. Do whatever you gotta do. You made them find me. You figure out where the hell she is and tell her I’m ordering her to fight. I’ll even live in the damn pink abomination. I won’t even complain, he begged . I need her. I love her.