Numb3rs Fic: Hunted, Chapter Three/7
Title: Hunted
Author: ALEO aleo_70
Genre: Gen
Characters: Don Eppes, OMC, Season 6 team with guest appearance by Alan Eppes
Rating: PG 13+
Warning: violence
Spoilers: (if you can call it that) Fifth Man
Summary: When the protected son of a witness takes flight Don finds that he is not the only one after him.
A/N: Written from prompts provided by msgrahamcracker
Status: Chapter 3 of 7
Wordcount: 2947
Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just borrowed them. Numb3rs and its characters are the property of those that created them. No copyright infringement intended. No financial reward gained. All real places and organisations are used in a fictional sense. Original characters and the storyline are mine however.
CHAPTER THREE
“I’ve heard from Albuquerque.” Don finally mentioned after a few miles.
“Dad?” There was definite worry in the tone.
“He’s fine, but in more danger now after your little stunt. You’ve exposed yourself, increasing the chance at the gang getting to him through you.”
“They’re back in Albuquerque.” J pointed out.
“No, they were somewhere in LA.” Don corrected. “They also know you were on that bus and are probably on their way out here to find you.”
Alarmed momentarily the kid looked around at the deserted road, at present they were the only vehicle within sight. He sat back and tried to pretend that the agent’s words hadn’t penetrated.
They had barely covered a couple more miles when other vehicles came into view, two SUVs or vans travelling in close formation, clearly together. Just before they passed, the lead vehicle’s lights flashed onto high beam. Glancing away in an effort to avoid being blinded Don caught a glimpse of red paintwork when his own lights lit the two vehicles up as they passed. He registered the significant colour and vehicle type and looked back in his mirror in time to see two sets of brake lights come on. In his mirror he watched as the two large vehicles turned and headed back after them.
Agent Morelli’s description of the gangster’s vehicles ran through his mind and he decided that the coincidence was too strong especially given their actions. It was appearing more likely by the second that these SUVs had been in pursuit of the bus and had now found a better target. Gangs had surprising good intel and this one had probably discovered by now that the FBI had also gone after the kid, thus the deliberate use of high-beams to identify him. It would be reasonable to assume that a federally plated vehicle heading back to LA in this area this late at night contained their target. To test the theory Don flicked on his emergency lights but the flashing red and blue made no difference as the SUVs started to close up the gap. Any honest citizen would have backed off immediately given that Don was already driving above the speed limit.
Don planted his foot on the gas, grimacing as he automatically glanced at the needle on the gauge. His SUV had already been driven hard, sucking down the gas as he’d raced to catch the bus. Another hard speed run now and it was likely he wouldn’t reach LA without refuelling, something that wasn’t all that practical with two car loads of gang members after them.
“What-“ J began.
Don ignored him in favour of his cell, dragging it off his belt and activating the Bluetooth before dropping it into the handsfree holder so he could keep both hands on the wheel.
“Sinclair.” David’s voice sounded from the speakers when the call went through.
“Sitrep.”
“We’ve moved the rest of the family to the alternate safe house and have got some extra security on the way. How did you go?”
“Got him but I think we’re in trouble.”
“Where are you?” David demanded.
“About ninety miles out, I’m not sure how far east from Victorville. I’ve got two red SUVs on my tail.”
David recognised the description. He asked the question even if his voice sounded far from doubtful. “You’re sure?”
Looking up at the headlights steadily gaining on them in his mirror despite having pushed his SUV to its limit he was sure. “They turned back the moment they saw us. I’m lit up but they are trying to run us down.”
“I’ll get help on the way.”
“Hurry.” Don ended the call to concentrate on his driving.
It was fast becoming obvious that he was at a severe disadvantage; the vehicles behind him had far more powerful engines and continued to close. Here on the open road straight out speed was going to be the determining factor, not the ability of the driver which so often would win over pure power. Any advantage that Don would otherwise have had as a driver skilled at high speed manoeuvring evaporated as the stretch of road gave him no alternative paths of travel, no side streets to duck down or even alleyways where he could lose his pursuers.
He had hoped to reach Victorville, still several miles away before the SUVs caught up but it wasn’t to be. Straddling the centreline and weaving dangerously from side to side he worked to block them both, attempting to force them to remain behind him but they were working in concert. The dangerous sparring continued for a couple of more miles before one pressed extra close forcing Don to swerve sharply to cut it off. That gave the second vehicle the opening it was looking for, allowing it to move up and force its way past. It moved into position immediately in front of him as they prepared to catch him in a rolling roadblock.
Don immediately cut back across the road giving him a moment where the road was clear behind him. Before the other vehicle could react he slammed on his brakes causing the red SUV to overshoot. Even with the ABS Don had to work hard to keep his Suburban under control but he still noted the brakelights quickly come on up ahead. He’d only gained a few precious seconds with his unexpected action. Flicking the wheel and hauling up on the handbrake before he lost all momentum he put the SUV into a spin until he was facing the opposite direction. Releasing the handbrake he stamped on the gas pedal, forced to head away from the tantalisingly close lights of the town and help. He’d had little choice, the manoeuvre the only way to avoid being boxed in. His estimation of the skill of the other drivers had risen, if help didn’t reach them soon Don had little doubt they would be successful in forcing him to stop.
“Whatever happens, you do exactly what I tell you to do.” Don ordered
“But why?” J demanded. He wasn’t arguing against the agent’s orders. “I told them he wouldn’t testify.”
“It doesn’t work like that.”
“They’re going to kill us?”
“Me, yes. You, maybe. Probably.” He added after considering his answer for half a second. They may not kill the boy straight up but eventually that was the most likely ending. Now was not the time to pull punches but he tried to soften the blow and sound hopeful. “If they catch us.”
“But you’re a fed.” The kid objected, seizing on the first comment and clearly missing the attempted positive spin.
“So?” Glancing again in the mirror he saw that the SUVs were close. It was only a matter of time, time that he knew they didn’t have. They weren’t going to make it to Barstow. The kid was about to get a hard and dirty lesson on the type of people he’d been idolising. Somehow that reminded him and Don flicked off the central locking. “Listen, they stop us, you get out and run. I’ll try to slow them down.”
“But they’ll-“
Don cut him off, even as he noted the sudden concern. The imminent danger had gone some way to opening the kid’s eyes. “Not if I can help it. I’ll be right behind you.”
The SUVs moved up, one in each lane but held position immediately behind him for a minute or two as he once again straddled the centre line. It was clear they were going to try a different tactic and he started to mentally run though possible scenarios and how he might try to counter them. It wasn’t looking good, the advantage was still held by the other vehicles and he had yet to figure out which manoeuvre they were likely to try when they started to move. One dropped back as the other moved in, using its superior power to suddenly accelerate and dart to one side as if to pass. Don blocked that move and the next. Headlights appeared ahead of them and he started to calculate how he could use the oncoming vehicle to their advantage. The momentary distraction was all the other SUV needed, the agent a fraction too slow in blocking the third attempt to pass and the new tactic suddenly became all too clear. The red SUV nudged at his rear quarter and flicked him into a slide. He’d been PIT-ed.
He tried desperately to steer out of it but at the speed they’d been travelling he’d started to spin off the road and it was already all over. The wheels bit into the softer surface and the momentum did the rest, flipping them over. The next few seconds was all noise and gut wrenching movement as they rolled several times. The airbags were not designed to react to a roll so his head was unprotected as he hit something hard at some point before they finally stopped. His head spinning from the impact it took him a few moments to get himself together enough to move, unlatching his seatbelt. His chest protested against the deep breath he tried to take, the pain a sign that the seatbelt had protected him from being thrown around the vehicle as it rolled. Everything else hurt as well, general aching pain from the punishment his body had just taken. With far more urgent matters at hand he pushed the pain aside and shoved at his door only just now realising that by some miracle they had landed upright. The door refused to budge, jammed into place by crumpled bodywork.
“J!” Don shouted as he reached over his stunned passenger to reach the other door release. To his relief the door opened; the passenger side not as damaged as his. He popped the kid’s seatbelt release. “Jason!”
“Hunh?”
There were gunshots followed by a car engine revving and tyres squealing as they fought for traction. Don figured the oncoming car that had distracted him was being scared off, presumably having stopped after seeing the wreck. The gang members would soon be on their way to deal with their intended targets. With no time to check if the boy was injured beyond the physical lack of blood Don slapped him firmly across the face to focus him.
“Hey!” J protested before a hand came up to rub at his chest. “Ow.”
“Run!” Don ordered as J groaned. Every second counted, they had no time for the kid to feel his own aches and pains and react to them. Don shoved none too gently at the kid to ensure the message got across as he repeated his order. “Run!”
All but falling out of the wrecked SUV J stopped and tried to get his bearings, disorientated after the accident. Don had followed him out and gave him another shove away from the roadway, its approximate location visible from the glow of headlights. J stumbled away into the dark without further protest.
Moving along the damaged side of his SUV Don stopped as he reached the back and peered carefully around it to assess their situation. They’d come to a stop some way from the road which wasn’t too surprising given the speed they’d been travelling when PIT-ed. Parked just off the side of the road were the two red SUVs. Moving around them, readying weapons, he counted at least eight men. The glimpses Don caught as some of them moved across the headlights of one of the vehicles made his heart sink even further. Not only were there too many of them but most of the men were armed with small machine guns that Don knew would have been converted to full automatic. He was hopelessly outnumbered and outclassed. Holding his ground and fighting them off as he’d originally planned was not going to be a useful tactic.
Glancing around he picked the direction the kid had run and chose a different route, one off on an angle away from the road rather than directly away. Turning back he saw that the gang members were organised and starting to quickly approach the wrecked vehicle. Their weapons were held ready as they began to spread out, leaving Don with absolutely no doubt of their intentions. Waiting for them to come to him was a sure fire way to commit suicide but they were in position to spot him the moment he moved and mow him down. He had to slow them down, or even better make them turn back for cover to give him the edge he needed. Sighting along the top of his gun he picked out one of the men toting a machine pistol and gently squeezed his trigger. His aim was true and the man dropped and didn’t move. The others instantly scattered, most heading back to their vehicles and the cover they offered as he’d hoped. Don used the opening he’d created and took off running without firing again, needing to save his limited ammunition.
He felt the impact of the bullets before he heard the shots, instant burning sensations in his right upper arm and shoulder. The shots continued but here the use of fully automatic weapons aided him as remainder of the rounds in the burst passed harmlessly overhead as the weapon ‘walked up’. With no time to acknowledge the pain as he was still exposed he dodged then circled back a few paces to scoop up his gun with his left hand. His right hand had suddenly lost all strength and had allowed the weapon to fall. Without it he had no chance forcing him into the risky move to recover it. More shots kicked up dirt around him as he took off running once again, finally reaching some rocks and brush that concealed him from view. The guns behind him continued to chatter, with more of the gangsters joining in. The hail of bullets all around him kept him moving quickly across the steadily rising ground. He wove his way past more rocks and small, dry trees, each object an obstruction between him and the bullets and by some stroke of luck he wasn’t hit again.
The shots abruptly stopped to be replaced by raised voices as the men rallied themselves to come after him. He stopped, panting for breath as he strained to make out their shouted instructions to each other. Satisfied he started moving again, from what he’d been able to make out it seemed they were going to concentrate their hunt on him. Dealing with him first would pave the way to taking out the kid but Don was confident he’d give them a run for their money, delaying them sufficiently for the kid to make his escape or for help to reach them.
Stumbled over an unseen fallen branch he careened off a large rock, only just barely managing to swallow his shout of pain as his injured arm slammed against the hard surface. He bounced and fell, landing hard and rolling on the ground as he fought not to cry out again. Panting sharply he scrambled to the side, putting the offending rock between him and pursuit as he worked to recover.
Leaning back he put the Glock down so he could assess his injuries. Probing gently but quickly he confirmed that he’d taken two bullets, the one to his arm had gone clean through the muscle, just missing the bone and had left a jagged exit wound that was bleeding messily. Feeling around his shoulder however he found only the one wound, meaning the bullet was still in there somewhere. Upon trying to move his arm he gave up instantly, the pain was excruciating and the arm non-responsive. His fingers twitched slightly at his command which was a relief, although the pain from the wound in the arm itself was quite emphatically telling him that the nerve hadn’t been destroyed. It was still obvious however that the bullet in his shoulder had done some serious damage. Another look at the injury to his arm and he was alarmed at the amount of blood flowing from the wound. About to pull at his shirt to tend it he heard voices and gave that idea away as he had to move. The best he could do was to shove his right hand into his jeans pocket to secure the useless arm. Picking up his gun once again he headed off, slower now as he had to watch his footing if he wanted to avoid a repeat of what had just happened.
The voices rose behind him all too quickly and he knew that they had found where he’d rested and the blood that he’d left behind. If they hadn’t already known they could now be sure that they’d hit him and had a blood trail to follow if they looked for it. Without the time to tend the wound there was nothing much Don could do to prevent leaving traces of his passage at least until the wounds clotted which was going to take some time judging by the way the blood was rapidly flowing from his arm. The added motivation of the closeness of his pursuers had him picking up his pace, leading the men away from the boy. At some point he would circle back, aiming for the road and hopefully the help that David was sending. He had no doubt it was coming, aided by the GPS in his SUV if it was still functioning, it was just the when that was unknown.
The sudden shape that came at him from the left had him raising the gun in reflex.
Next chapter - here
Author: ALEO aleo_70
Genre: Gen
Characters: Don Eppes, OMC, Season 6 team with guest appearance by Alan Eppes
Rating: PG 13+
Warning: violence
Spoilers: (if you can call it that) Fifth Man
Summary: When the protected son of a witness takes flight Don finds that he is not the only one after him.
A/N: Written from prompts provided by msgrahamcracker
Status: Chapter 3 of 7
Wordcount: 2947
Disclaimer: I don't own them, I just borrowed them. Numb3rs and its characters are the property of those that created them. No copyright infringement intended. No financial reward gained. All real places and organisations are used in a fictional sense. Original characters and the storyline are mine however.
CHAPTER THREE
“I’ve heard from Albuquerque.” Don finally mentioned after a few miles.
“Dad?” There was definite worry in the tone.
“He’s fine, but in more danger now after your little stunt. You’ve exposed yourself, increasing the chance at the gang getting to him through you.”
“They’re back in Albuquerque.” J pointed out.
“No, they were somewhere in LA.” Don corrected. “They also know you were on that bus and are probably on their way out here to find you.”
Alarmed momentarily the kid looked around at the deserted road, at present they were the only vehicle within sight. He sat back and tried to pretend that the agent’s words hadn’t penetrated.
They had barely covered a couple more miles when other vehicles came into view, two SUVs or vans travelling in close formation, clearly together. Just before they passed, the lead vehicle’s lights flashed onto high beam. Glancing away in an effort to avoid being blinded Don caught a glimpse of red paintwork when his own lights lit the two vehicles up as they passed. He registered the significant colour and vehicle type and looked back in his mirror in time to see two sets of brake lights come on. In his mirror he watched as the two large vehicles turned and headed back after them.
Agent Morelli’s description of the gangster’s vehicles ran through his mind and he decided that the coincidence was too strong especially given their actions. It was appearing more likely by the second that these SUVs had been in pursuit of the bus and had now found a better target. Gangs had surprising good intel and this one had probably discovered by now that the FBI had also gone after the kid, thus the deliberate use of high-beams to identify him. It would be reasonable to assume that a federally plated vehicle heading back to LA in this area this late at night contained their target. To test the theory Don flicked on his emergency lights but the flashing red and blue made no difference as the SUVs started to close up the gap. Any honest citizen would have backed off immediately given that Don was already driving above the speed limit.
Don planted his foot on the gas, grimacing as he automatically glanced at the needle on the gauge. His SUV had already been driven hard, sucking down the gas as he’d raced to catch the bus. Another hard speed run now and it was likely he wouldn’t reach LA without refuelling, something that wasn’t all that practical with two car loads of gang members after them.
“What-“ J began.
Don ignored him in favour of his cell, dragging it off his belt and activating the Bluetooth before dropping it into the handsfree holder so he could keep both hands on the wheel.
“Sinclair.” David’s voice sounded from the speakers when the call went through.
“Sitrep.”
“We’ve moved the rest of the family to the alternate safe house and have got some extra security on the way. How did you go?”
“Got him but I think we’re in trouble.”
“Where are you?” David demanded.
“About ninety miles out, I’m not sure how far east from Victorville. I’ve got two red SUVs on my tail.”
David recognised the description. He asked the question even if his voice sounded far from doubtful. “You’re sure?”
Looking up at the headlights steadily gaining on them in his mirror despite having pushed his SUV to its limit he was sure. “They turned back the moment they saw us. I’m lit up but they are trying to run us down.”
“I’ll get help on the way.”
“Hurry.” Don ended the call to concentrate on his driving.
It was fast becoming obvious that he was at a severe disadvantage; the vehicles behind him had far more powerful engines and continued to close. Here on the open road straight out speed was going to be the determining factor, not the ability of the driver which so often would win over pure power. Any advantage that Don would otherwise have had as a driver skilled at high speed manoeuvring evaporated as the stretch of road gave him no alternative paths of travel, no side streets to duck down or even alleyways where he could lose his pursuers.
He had hoped to reach Victorville, still several miles away before the SUVs caught up but it wasn’t to be. Straddling the centreline and weaving dangerously from side to side he worked to block them both, attempting to force them to remain behind him but they were working in concert. The dangerous sparring continued for a couple of more miles before one pressed extra close forcing Don to swerve sharply to cut it off. That gave the second vehicle the opening it was looking for, allowing it to move up and force its way past. It moved into position immediately in front of him as they prepared to catch him in a rolling roadblock.
Don immediately cut back across the road giving him a moment where the road was clear behind him. Before the other vehicle could react he slammed on his brakes causing the red SUV to overshoot. Even with the ABS Don had to work hard to keep his Suburban under control but he still noted the brakelights quickly come on up ahead. He’d only gained a few precious seconds with his unexpected action. Flicking the wheel and hauling up on the handbrake before he lost all momentum he put the SUV into a spin until he was facing the opposite direction. Releasing the handbrake he stamped on the gas pedal, forced to head away from the tantalisingly close lights of the town and help. He’d had little choice, the manoeuvre the only way to avoid being boxed in. His estimation of the skill of the other drivers had risen, if help didn’t reach them soon Don had little doubt they would be successful in forcing him to stop.
“Whatever happens, you do exactly what I tell you to do.” Don ordered
“But why?” J demanded. He wasn’t arguing against the agent’s orders. “I told them he wouldn’t testify.”
“It doesn’t work like that.”
“They’re going to kill us?”
“Me, yes. You, maybe. Probably.” He added after considering his answer for half a second. They may not kill the boy straight up but eventually that was the most likely ending. Now was not the time to pull punches but he tried to soften the blow and sound hopeful. “If they catch us.”
“But you’re a fed.” The kid objected, seizing on the first comment and clearly missing the attempted positive spin.
“So?” Glancing again in the mirror he saw that the SUVs were close. It was only a matter of time, time that he knew they didn’t have. They weren’t going to make it to Barstow. The kid was about to get a hard and dirty lesson on the type of people he’d been idolising. Somehow that reminded him and Don flicked off the central locking. “Listen, they stop us, you get out and run. I’ll try to slow them down.”
“But they’ll-“
Don cut him off, even as he noted the sudden concern. The imminent danger had gone some way to opening the kid’s eyes. “Not if I can help it. I’ll be right behind you.”
The SUVs moved up, one in each lane but held position immediately behind him for a minute or two as he once again straddled the centre line. It was clear they were going to try a different tactic and he started to mentally run though possible scenarios and how he might try to counter them. It wasn’t looking good, the advantage was still held by the other vehicles and he had yet to figure out which manoeuvre they were likely to try when they started to move. One dropped back as the other moved in, using its superior power to suddenly accelerate and dart to one side as if to pass. Don blocked that move and the next. Headlights appeared ahead of them and he started to calculate how he could use the oncoming vehicle to their advantage. The momentary distraction was all the other SUV needed, the agent a fraction too slow in blocking the third attempt to pass and the new tactic suddenly became all too clear. The red SUV nudged at his rear quarter and flicked him into a slide. He’d been PIT-ed.
He tried desperately to steer out of it but at the speed they’d been travelling he’d started to spin off the road and it was already all over. The wheels bit into the softer surface and the momentum did the rest, flipping them over. The next few seconds was all noise and gut wrenching movement as they rolled several times. The airbags were not designed to react to a roll so his head was unprotected as he hit something hard at some point before they finally stopped. His head spinning from the impact it took him a few moments to get himself together enough to move, unlatching his seatbelt. His chest protested against the deep breath he tried to take, the pain a sign that the seatbelt had protected him from being thrown around the vehicle as it rolled. Everything else hurt as well, general aching pain from the punishment his body had just taken. With far more urgent matters at hand he pushed the pain aside and shoved at his door only just now realising that by some miracle they had landed upright. The door refused to budge, jammed into place by crumpled bodywork.
“J!” Don shouted as he reached over his stunned passenger to reach the other door release. To his relief the door opened; the passenger side not as damaged as his. He popped the kid’s seatbelt release. “Jason!”
“Hunh?”
There were gunshots followed by a car engine revving and tyres squealing as they fought for traction. Don figured the oncoming car that had distracted him was being scared off, presumably having stopped after seeing the wreck. The gang members would soon be on their way to deal with their intended targets. With no time to check if the boy was injured beyond the physical lack of blood Don slapped him firmly across the face to focus him.
“Hey!” J protested before a hand came up to rub at his chest. “Ow.”
“Run!” Don ordered as J groaned. Every second counted, they had no time for the kid to feel his own aches and pains and react to them. Don shoved none too gently at the kid to ensure the message got across as he repeated his order. “Run!”
All but falling out of the wrecked SUV J stopped and tried to get his bearings, disorientated after the accident. Don had followed him out and gave him another shove away from the roadway, its approximate location visible from the glow of headlights. J stumbled away into the dark without further protest.
Moving along the damaged side of his SUV Don stopped as he reached the back and peered carefully around it to assess their situation. They’d come to a stop some way from the road which wasn’t too surprising given the speed they’d been travelling when PIT-ed. Parked just off the side of the road were the two red SUVs. Moving around them, readying weapons, he counted at least eight men. The glimpses Don caught as some of them moved across the headlights of one of the vehicles made his heart sink even further. Not only were there too many of them but most of the men were armed with small machine guns that Don knew would have been converted to full automatic. He was hopelessly outnumbered and outclassed. Holding his ground and fighting them off as he’d originally planned was not going to be a useful tactic.
Glancing around he picked the direction the kid had run and chose a different route, one off on an angle away from the road rather than directly away. Turning back he saw that the gang members were organised and starting to quickly approach the wrecked vehicle. Their weapons were held ready as they began to spread out, leaving Don with absolutely no doubt of their intentions. Waiting for them to come to him was a sure fire way to commit suicide but they were in position to spot him the moment he moved and mow him down. He had to slow them down, or even better make them turn back for cover to give him the edge he needed. Sighting along the top of his gun he picked out one of the men toting a machine pistol and gently squeezed his trigger. His aim was true and the man dropped and didn’t move. The others instantly scattered, most heading back to their vehicles and the cover they offered as he’d hoped. Don used the opening he’d created and took off running without firing again, needing to save his limited ammunition.
He felt the impact of the bullets before he heard the shots, instant burning sensations in his right upper arm and shoulder. The shots continued but here the use of fully automatic weapons aided him as remainder of the rounds in the burst passed harmlessly overhead as the weapon ‘walked up’. With no time to acknowledge the pain as he was still exposed he dodged then circled back a few paces to scoop up his gun with his left hand. His right hand had suddenly lost all strength and had allowed the weapon to fall. Without it he had no chance forcing him into the risky move to recover it. More shots kicked up dirt around him as he took off running once again, finally reaching some rocks and brush that concealed him from view. The guns behind him continued to chatter, with more of the gangsters joining in. The hail of bullets all around him kept him moving quickly across the steadily rising ground. He wove his way past more rocks and small, dry trees, each object an obstruction between him and the bullets and by some stroke of luck he wasn’t hit again.
The shots abruptly stopped to be replaced by raised voices as the men rallied themselves to come after him. He stopped, panting for breath as he strained to make out their shouted instructions to each other. Satisfied he started moving again, from what he’d been able to make out it seemed they were going to concentrate their hunt on him. Dealing with him first would pave the way to taking out the kid but Don was confident he’d give them a run for their money, delaying them sufficiently for the kid to make his escape or for help to reach them.
Stumbled over an unseen fallen branch he careened off a large rock, only just barely managing to swallow his shout of pain as his injured arm slammed against the hard surface. He bounced and fell, landing hard and rolling on the ground as he fought not to cry out again. Panting sharply he scrambled to the side, putting the offending rock between him and pursuit as he worked to recover.
Leaning back he put the Glock down so he could assess his injuries. Probing gently but quickly he confirmed that he’d taken two bullets, the one to his arm had gone clean through the muscle, just missing the bone and had left a jagged exit wound that was bleeding messily. Feeling around his shoulder however he found only the one wound, meaning the bullet was still in there somewhere. Upon trying to move his arm he gave up instantly, the pain was excruciating and the arm non-responsive. His fingers twitched slightly at his command which was a relief, although the pain from the wound in the arm itself was quite emphatically telling him that the nerve hadn’t been destroyed. It was still obvious however that the bullet in his shoulder had done some serious damage. Another look at the injury to his arm and he was alarmed at the amount of blood flowing from the wound. About to pull at his shirt to tend it he heard voices and gave that idea away as he had to move. The best he could do was to shove his right hand into his jeans pocket to secure the useless arm. Picking up his gun once again he headed off, slower now as he had to watch his footing if he wanted to avoid a repeat of what had just happened.
The voices rose behind him all too quickly and he knew that they had found where he’d rested and the blood that he’d left behind. If they hadn’t already known they could now be sure that they’d hit him and had a blood trail to follow if they looked for it. Without the time to tend the wound there was nothing much Don could do to prevent leaving traces of his passage at least until the wounds clotted which was going to take some time judging by the way the blood was rapidly flowing from his arm. The added motivation of the closeness of his pursuers had him picking up his pace, leading the men away from the boy. At some point he would circle back, aiming for the road and hopefully the help that David was sending. He had no doubt it was coming, aided by the GPS in his SUV if it was still functioning, it was just the when that was unknown.
The sudden shape that came at him from the left had him raising the gun in reflex.
Next chapter - here