36. Gage

36

GAGE

G age's heart stopped as Hadley disappeared over the edge of the bluff. He dove for her, but there was no way he'd be able to reach her.

Rome was ready and tracked Gage with the barrel of the gun. In a quick decision, he ducked, narrowly escaping Rome's shot. Gage gripped the knife clipped to his pocket and opened the switchblade. He lunged, bringing him right to the feet of his enemy where he plunged the blade into Rome's thigh.

Rome let out a scream and pistol-whipped Gage in the temple. He barely felt the blow as he jerked the blade free and got to his feet.

Rome raised his gun again, but Mr. Benson appeared behind him, slamming a thick limb into the side of Rome's head. He fell to the ground, momentarily stunned.

Backup. Gage had never been happier to see someone in his life.

With a new surge of determination, Gage overtook Rome and pinned him to the ground. He secured one arm, but the gun was firmly grasped in the other. Rome pointed the gun up at Gage, and he shoved it aside just as the piercing shot rang in his ears, momentarily flooding the world in silence right after.

Rome used the momentum from when Gage shoved the gun to the side to buck Gage just enough to throw him off-balance. Once free, Rome pushed on the gun they both held, flipping Gage onto his back and crawling over him to pin him. Jerking the gun from Gage's hands, Rome positioned it between them again just as Mr. Benson smashed the limb into the side of Rome's head.

The blow was hard enough to knock Rome over and send the gun flying into the tangle of leaves and sticks behind him. Gage scrambled for the gun. Thorns and briars stabbed his palms as he clawed his way toward the weapon.

Rome got to his feet and kicked Gage's side just before grasping the gun from the dirt. He stood and aimed the gun at Gage.

No. It couldn't end like this. He hadn't found Hadley yet. He had to know if she was okay. It couldn't end like this!

Gage lowered his shoulder and launched himself at Rome, ramming right into his torso. Another blast pierced the air, but Gage kept his hold on Rome until they hit the ground, jarring every bone in his body.

Rome shouted curses as Gage lifted his head to search for the gun. Where was it?

Rome started to push himself up, but his hand slipped off the edge of the cliff behind him. How had they gotten so close to the drop-off?

Righting himself, Rome's attention caught on something, and he lunged.

The gun. It lay dark and dull against the mulch and sticks on the ground.

Gage scrambled for it. Rustling beside him promised Rome wasn't far behind. Gage reached the weapon just as Rome slammed the side of his body into Gage's shoulder.

Keeping a firm grip on the pistol, Gage stood and shoved back at Rome with everything he had.

Rome seemed to move in slow motion as he tumbled over the side of the cliff. His wide eyes searched for anything to grab onto, but the ground seemed to pull away from him as he was sucked into the chasm.

A gaping hole opened up in Gage's chest. Rome disappeared over the edge, screaming as he fell .

Rome was gone, but Gage froze. Hadley and Rome had both gone over that cliff. Had either of them survived?

Gage gasped for breath as his name echoed on the ridge.

He turned to Mr. Benson, who dropped the limb he'd made into a weapon.

"You okay?" Mr. Benson asked.

No. Not even a little.

Gage sucked in quick breaths as panic gripped his throat. "Where's Hadley?"

"I don't know. I came this way when I heard you and Rome."

Hadley. He had to find her. She had to be okay.

And Rome. What fate was Gage supposed to wish for? If Rome was gone, they were all free.

All except Gage. He could have killed someone, and murder usually came with a life sentence.

Murder. Had he killed Rome?

Did it matter? Without Hadley, his life was useless anyway.

"How do we get down there?" Gage asked.

Mr. Benson turned and pointed down the hill as he started jogging through the brush. Gage caught up to him and followed the edge of the cliff into the valley. His heart beat like the blades of a helicopter, never slowing as they descended the hill.

The sound of rushing water drew him toward the riverbank in the hollow, and he leapt over fallen trees and rocks until he reached the edge. Scanning the wide river, he halted as he caught sight of Rome. His body lay bloody and lifeless, draped over the jagged rocks in the rushing water.

Gage squeezed his eyes closed. He couldn't think about Rome yet. He had to find Hadley.

"There!" Mr. Benson shouted beside Gage.

Gage opened his eyes and followed the direction where Mr. Benson pointed.

Hadley lay on her back on the ground with her eyes closed. Travis was crouched beside her, holding her wrist in his hand.