Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
The heavy metal hatch shrieked as it was pulled open.
Light flooded the bunker. Gabriel stood there, covered in blood, breathing heavily. He dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, reaching down to pull Clara and Leo out of the dark.
“It’s over,” Gabriel gasped, burying his face in Clara’s neck. “Marco is dead. The Volkov hit squad is gone.”
Clara looked around the cabin. It was decimated. But the man holding her was alive, and the boy clutching his father's leg was safe.
Gabriel looked at Leo. The six-year-old was staring at the blood on his father's hands.
Gabriel didn't hide it. He knelt down, looked his son in the eye, and signed with trembling, bloodstained fingers.
May you like
I will always protect you.
Leo reached out and wiped a smudge of dirt from Gabriel’s face, signing back. I know. Dad.
