"I've got you." Through gritted teeth. Muscles straining as I guided his flailing arm back to safety. "Grab on. That's it. You're okay."
His fingers closed around the rung. White-knuckled and trembling. Face pale with shock. Eyes wide with fear.
"Careful. Almost there." Relief evident as he regained his hold.
My focus locked entirely on him. Ensuring he continued his descent safely. The ache in my shoulder throbbed with each heartbeat. But watching his every move with hawk-like attention pushed the discomfort aside.
In my concentration on his safety, I missed my own footing. Slipped on the wet metal as I reached for the next rung. For one suspended moment, nothing but air beneath me. Stomach lurching with the sudden loss of support.
Then I was falling. A sharp cry torn from my throat as I plummeted the last few meters. Hit something with a muffled crash. Cardboard boxes and trash bags beside the structure. The impact drove the air from my lungs. Sent a burst of white-hot fire through my ribs and wrist.
Stars exploded behind my eyes.
Can't breathe.
Couldn't move. Could only lie there as rain pelted my face and agony radiated through my body in searing waves.
Through watering vision, Hawley's face changed. The calm, controlled stillness broke into something raw and urgent as he rushed forward, abandoning his post at the perimeter. I'd never seen him move that fast before. Never seen that expression. A flash of something that looked like fear before he caught himself.
Chapter 14: The Stepfather's Fist
Ryan
"Don't move." Hawley's command came tight and sharp as he crouched beside me. One hand hovered over my shoulder. The other was already reaching for his radio.
I tried to speak. Tried to tell him I was fine. Only managed a pained wheeze. My ribs screamed with each shallow breath.
"I said don't move." The steel in his tone left no room for argument. His palm finally landed on my jacket. Surprisingly gentle, despite the rigid posture. "Backup is on the way."
Through the haze of pain, I noticed his fingers trembling. Just a momentary quiver before he steadied them. Those dark eyes scanned me. Cataloged injuries. Something else lurked under the assessment. Something I'd never seen from him before.
Concern. Not just professional. Real worry.
"It's just a fall." The words came out as a gasp. "I'm okay."
His grip firmed, anchoring me in place. "You're not okay. You could have internal injuries." Something wavered under his control. Almost like anger. "What were you thinking?"
I blinked rain from my vision. The intensity coming off him made no sense. "The kid was falling. I just..."
"You could have killed yourself." The accusation cut through the air between us.
"I'm fine." I pushed upright through the stab in my side. The world tilted, then steadied. I refused to show weakness in front of Min, who watched me from the bottom of the ladder. Pupils wide. Frightened.
Hawley's gaze swept over me. Each wince. Each careful movement. A muscle worked in his cheek as he ran the inventory. He turned without a word and helped Min off the ladder. His fingers were firm but gentle on the boy's shoulder.
"You okay?" Softer than I'd ever heard from him.
Min nodded. His attention darted between us and the laneway entrance. "I'm sorry about..." He gestured vaguely toward me.
"Not your fault." I forced what was probably more grimace than smile. Straightened my jacket. Tried to ignore the throb in my ribs and left wrist. "Just a bad landing because I'm a complete idiot."
The teen drifted to my side. Like a small animal seeking warmth. His thin frame trembled with cold and adrenaline. In the distance, sirens wailed, growing louder as backup approached.
"Your mother will be here soon." I kept my injured arm pressed against my torso. Set my good palm on his shoulder. "Everything's going to be okay now."
Hawley was already speaking into his radio. Tone clipped. Professional. I caught fragments.Missing juvenile recovered. Medical assistance. Family notification.His attention never left us. Constantly scanning. Assessing. Protecting.
"What if he doesn't let her come?" Min's question came out small. Uncertain. "My stepdad, I mean."