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A truck engine rumbles behind us.

Ash pulls up beside my Harley and jumps out.

"Jesus Christ, Vex."

"Driver took off into the trees. Other prick's down. Secure him and get Grim on the comms."

Ash looks at Kierra, then at the bastard on the ground.

"Got it. You handle her."

He heads toward the gunman.

I turn back to Kierra.

She's breathing better now, though her hands are still shaking.

"You hurt?"

She shakes her head.

Then winces.

"My knee."

"Anywhere else?"

"Don't think so."

I glance at her bloody lip.

She catches me looking.

"Bit it when the car crashed."

"All right."

She stares at me for a moment.

"You're really the man they sent?"

"Yep."

"And I ran away from you."

"Yep."

Her eyes close.

"Shit."

A laugh slips out before I can stop it.

Her eyes fly open.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"Maybe a little."