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Being a master of all survival techniques, Malcolm concentrated his efforts on repairing the damage done to his chest and heart as he floated down the river. The bullet emerged from his chest and fell harmlessly into the water. By the time he came to a stop, he was nearly healed.
Malcolm caught a hold of a large branch over the water and pulled himself on top of it. After getting his bearings, he swung from tree to tree until locating a small shed against the mountainside. He placed his hand in an opening and the rock slid open far enough for him to squeeze through. Malcolm made his way through two tunnels to the main complex and began his search for Bethany, finding her near the testing room with Mrs. Taylor.
“Forgive me, Elders,” he said, and knelt in front of the women.
“What causes your rudeness?” said Mrs. Taylor.
Malcolm stood, though kept his head bowed. “I encountered a problem with the humans hunting for the three lads. They wounded me and left with Denton. He was unconscious and in his harness. Forgive me for my failure.”
Both women looked fiery; their eyes turned black. Mrs. Taylor slapped Malcolm; he fell against a wall. She turned and went into a room and slammed the door.
Malcolm rose, bleeding. He stood back in front of Bethany. Bethany’s eyes returned to normal but she was still rigid, clinching her fists to the point of drawing blood. “What news do you have of the other two?”
“I rushed here to tell the news. The others are in the cave; I will go now to retrieve them.”
“Take one of the others with you. Cover your tracks and leave no evidence for them to find. I will cover up your mistakes.” She leaned in to the man to deliver her next words. “The next mistake will be unforgivable.”
Malcolm gulped, but stood tall, confident. “I will make no further mistakes. I swear it!”
“Go quickly and bring them here.”