The Serpent and the Crow

Book 3: Chapter Eleven

Wade trudged through the tunnel carrying Halonie on his shoulders. It became apparent to Wade that he had gone through a lot to get to this place. The Texan had not thought of how he was going to explain what even happened.

"Freeze."

Wade saw Doug brandishing a gun. He lowered it once he recognized him.

He saw Douglas' face light up with relief and swayed towards concern once he looked at Halonie. Douglas ran up and took Halonie off his shoulders and held her in his arms and kissed her.

Wade collapsed to his knees. Exhausted from the ordeal he suffered through. Glad to have survived. He felt guilty that he was the only one left alive to tell what happened in these hills.

"We have to get her to the hospital. C'mon Wade. The LZ is not far off."

"I'm glad you've got your daughter back, Doug. But I am exhausted. I'll wait here."

"The others. Hank. Martinez. Jador... where are they?"

"Just go. I'll wait here."

"Where are they?"

Doug looked at him with an exaggerated smile, tears streamed down his face. Douglas put a hand on his shoulder and Wade shrugged it off.

"Get going, Nez. It's time for you to do something for a change."

Douglas got the hint. He understood they were always going to go up against something wretched. But Wade was right. He did not know what he went through. Douglas picked up the pace as he staggered into the bush. He took one last look at Wade as he got up on his feet, breathing hard. He stood very much like Douglas; a sentinel helpless to do anything about his fears.