Carrion (The Bren Watts Diaries #1)

Chapter 74

With me staying behind and taking my luck on the next helicopter, Luke and Logan both decided right away to stay with me. I gave each of them a deathly glare, but I knew there was no chance I'd win if I argued with them. Plus, we're running out of time.

Some of us entertained to let those who were old and injured go, especially Luke, and I knew he meant to convince me. But it would only single out Steve and me, and I had no intention of going, knowing that I'm leaving some of them behind. A hundred other people were vying for the next chopper, and it was not a guarantee that they could make it. It would be hypocritical of me to take the only seat offered because it had my name on it. I wanted to see all my group safe and sound; I would not abandon them.

Steve thrust his chest out and would not hear his grandchildren's protestations to take the seat. "I have betrayed this group for my own gain before. I will not let that happen again," he said with as much calm and certainty to his voice, and both Tessa and Gabe heaved a sigh, unable to convince him otherwise. "We could let the women go," he added.

It went back and forth for a short while. In the end, mostly everyone liked Steve's idea that women should go first. There were only three of them in our group. Peter went up to the captain again, arguing with him, but I was too far away to hear what was said. Eventually, Peter came back, telling us he managed to convince him that since Henry was small and lanky, he could squeeze in a fourth member of our group. Henry had to sit on someone's lap, thereby allowing all the women in our group to board the chopper.

But I saw through him. I took Peter aside as the chopper now hovered above the helipad, getting ready to touch down. "What did you offer him?"

"Uh...barbecue at my backyard?"

"Don't start with me."

Peter closed his eyes and sighed. "Fine. I may have offered him a way out."

I nodded. "Our Humvee and the Jeep down on the street. That's a long run."

"They'll die for sure. Makes it easier for us."

"How is any of that good?"

"The captain and his men said they are not getting on that helicopter. They want to evacuate as much of the civilians out as they can...or so they say. If the next chopper doesn't go well, we might have to make a run for the vehicle again. But I have a sneaking suspicion they're gonna make a run for the second helicopter instead."

"Are you sure?"

"They did not let us in, even when I specifically told them we were VIPs and that it came from General Clemons himself. No, they're saving the seat for the second helicopter for themselves. It's a hunch, so you better be ready with your gun."

"I'm not gonna shoot a person, Peter."

"Think of them as vectors, then, if it makes it easier for you. It makes no difference."

"Of course, there's a fucking difference! Killing is not that easy."

"Well, you certainly look like a pro at it."

"You know what, fuck you."

"Hey! I'm trying to help your stupid, useless group."

"For one more person?"

"It's a guaranteed seat. One less person for us to watch and protect down on the street."

"Is that everyone is to you? Like some cannon fodder?" I raised my eyebrow. "And if it doesn't go well for us?"

Peter glanced at the captain. "I'm already handling that."

"You're gonna try to backstab him, aren't you? Not a very soldier-like of you."