Brian pulled Molly out of the way and raised his arm to fire twice. A bullet intended for either of them missed its target. Brian's first shot caught the man who was aiming at them. He died quickly and was never able to fire back. Another sniper, who was getting ready to use his machine gun, was Brian's second victim in the dark.
His practiced eyes roamed the area as they continued to move forward. Brian wanted to make sure no one was hiding in the dark ready to surprise them. Even though the path was rough and dangerous, Brian estimated they could reach the peak near L City once they come through the forest and pass the river basin.
Howard may be smart, but he had a fatal weakness. He was conceited.
Having lost out twice to him, Brian was determined to get even this time. Anyone familiar with Phoenix Mountain should know the path that led out of it. But it required passing the river basin, which had too many hidden spots that were dangerous.
The sound of gunfire from the foot of the mountain faded then finally disappeared as Brian and Molly kept on climbing. The only sounds now were the whisper of the wind blowing through dried grass. Molly had no idea how long they have been traveling. Once her eyes had adjusted to the dark, she could make out vague outlines around her. She stumbled, slowing down her brisk pace. Just ahead was a desolate land area, but the well-worn path they passed earlier was no longer there. Brambles crunched loudly as she and Brian stepped on them, making the situation more creepy.
No longer able to feel her legs, Molly trudged after Brian mechanically. She didn't know where he was leading her to, but she felt safe with him.
Suddenly, Brian stopped and turned around. He looked at Molly's tired face, glistening with sweat. "Get on me!" he commanded.
"What?" She gave him a confused look.
"Let me carry you," he offered. It embarrassed him to make the offer and thought it was weird why he felt that way all of a sudden.
A wave of happiness flooded her, but Molly twitched her nose and haughtily replied, "I can walk by myself!" She bit her lips again.
Their condition now was harsh enough, and Molly didn't want to add to Brian's burdens. He already gave his word to keep her safe, and Molly didn't want the man protecting her to get hurt as well.
Holding back her sadness, Molly quietly asked, "Bri, we can make it. We can escape from this hell, right?" Through his night vision goggles, Brian could see her face clearly.
Stroking her face, now cold from sweat and fear, Brian vowed, "I will get you out of here safely. Do you believe me?"
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