From the Ashes (Heroes of the Apocalypse Book 5) by Baileigh Higgins

Author:Baileigh Higgins [Higgins, Baileigh]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2023-02-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13 - George

The gun bucked in his hand, the shot like a flash grenade in his brain. His ears sang, and the weapon clattered to the floor. Bobbi sagged to the side, half of her head blown away. Her expression was vacant, devoid of the person she used to be, vital and alive. A woman who took no nonsense from anyone but also had a heart of gold hidden underneath her tough exterior.

“Bobbi? Bobbi, no,” George whispered, horror coursing through his veins. He couldn’t believe what had happened or what he’d done. “I killed her. I killed my friend.”

“She was already dead,” Amelia said. “You simply ended her pain.”

George shook his head. “She was my friend.”

“I’m sorry, but he can’t go on. Not like this,” Priya said, her tone surprisingly gentle. “Take him back. Make sure he gets on a bus. He’s done enough for the night.”

“What about you?” Mason asked.

“My team and I will carry on. There are still many trapped inside,” Priya said.

“Good luck,” Mason replied.

“Same to you,” Priya said before she waved her team onward. They ran into the gloom and disappeared around a corner.

Shocked and dazed, George allowed Mason to pry him away from Bobbi’s corpse. His arms were covered with her blood, the crimson fluid slick and warm against his skin. His gaze fell on the awful rents in her flesh, and he shuddered. She must’ve been in so much pain.

Maybe what he’d done had been merciful.

Stumbling through the corridors in a haze, George barely registered his surroundings. Other people overtook them, running for the exits, but he didn’t care.

“Come on, George. We’re nearly there,” Amelia coaxed.

“Steady on your feet, buddy. Just a few more steps,” Mason added, leading him onward.

Daisy gravitated around them like a satellite, her gun held ready to shoot anything that threatened them.

Finally, they crossed the ER and burst into the night. The air was brisk, and a cold wind swirled through the parking lot. The garish spotlights were bright. Too bright after the gloom of the hospital. Almost blinded, George had to trust his companions to lead him to safety.

As they neared the evacuation point, several figures rushed over. In the lead was Theresa, followed by Ruby and Susan. The trio surrounded them with cries of relief and joy, but that quickly turned to horror when they noticed a blood-soaked George.

“George? Are you hurt?” Theresa cried.

“It’s not mine,” he mumbled in reply.

“Not yours? Then….”

“It’s Bobbi’s. She’s gone,” Amelia replied.

“Not Bobbi. She can’t be dead,” Theresa exclaimed, her expression stricken.

“I killed her. I shot her,” George said, guilt filling his chest.

“What?” Theresa cried.

“It was a mercy killing,” Amelia explained.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. You poor dear,” Theresa said, pulling George into a bear hug.

George allowed her to hold him, and her warmth soaked into his soul. She smelled like lilacs and soap, a scent that reminded him a little of his mother. For a moment, he felt less broken.

“I think he’s done for the night,” Mason said.

Silently, George agreed with his assessment.

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