Page 41 of The Search

Monty began tugging at Logan’s shirt, trying to move him.

Sarah dove out of the helicopter.

More bullets.

Monty. Still. Bleeding.

“No!” She sank to her knees beside Monty. He was still breathing. Thank God.

“Get back in the helicopter.” Galen was squatting beside her. “I’ll take care of Logan.”

“She’ll never leave Monty. Get the dog first, Galen,” Logan said. “Dammit, get the dog first.”

“He’s my dog. I’ll do—” Sarah broke off when Galen picked up Monty.

“Go take care of your dog,” Logan told her. “Galen will—”

“Shut up.” She picked up Logan in a fireman’s lift and struggled to her feet. Jesus, he was heavy. Three steps and she had him in the helicopter. “Lift off.”

More shots.

What if they hit the fuel tank?

“Cover fire,” Galen snapped.

Sarah was only dimly aware that Galen’s men were shooting as she cradled Monty in her arms. He opened his eyes and licked her arm. The helicopter lifted and headed north, barely skimming the trees.

Oh, God, Rudzak’s aircraft was right behind them.

Then, suddenly, it was gone.

“Got him.” Galen’s gaze was on Rudzak’s helicopter, which was slowly spiraling to the ground. “We must have hit something crucial. He’s trying to get back to the clearing to land. I hope he gets a palm tree up his ass. Too bad we used the last of our missiles back at the camp.” He turned to Logan. “You always did cause me trouble. Somebody pass me the first aid kit and I’ll try to stop the blood.”

“How’s the . . . dog?” Logan whispered.

“I’m tending to him.” Sarah was pressing a compress to Monty’s wound. “I think he’s going to be okay. The bullet only skimmed his shoulder and he’s not bleeding much.” She glanced at Galen. “Do you need help taking care of Logan? I’ve had training.”

Logan tried to smile. “Yeah, she went to vet school. She can take care of my fleas at the same time.”

She ignored him and spoke to Galen. “I’ve also had EMT training.”

“Galen can handle it,” Logan said. “Just make sure— the dog’s okay. I know I’ll be on your hit list if anything happens to him.”

“You’re right.” She felt angry and scared and, yes, guilty that Monty had been hurt. She had placed him in harm’s way. There was no doubt Logan was ultimately responsible, but he had ordered Galen to save Monty first even though his life had been in danger. “I’ll care for Monty. Worry about yourself.”

His eyes closed. “Too—much trouble. Galen, you— do it.”

He passed out.

Logan didn’t regain consciousness until they were transferring him to the jet at Santo Camaro.

“About time you came back to us,” Galen said. “You’ve caused me no end of trouble and made a mess of my copter. Of course, the pooch didn’t help.”

“He’s alive?”

“In better shape than you. Sarah’s bandaged him and is trying to keep him still.”

“Where is she?”