Chapter 9 -- Interlude 3
Derrick listened as Ginger moved off, her head high and her steps sounding like a march. He had wondered how much pushing would make her angry. It had not been pleasant.
But as soon as he knew she wouldn't look back and see him, he found a tree, leaned back -- and slid down.
He knew, if Junior outraced the cop, he would return soon, and Derrick knew he would never be able to outrace him. He wouldn't drag Ginger down with him, though. He'd already learned enough about her to know she wouldn't have willingly left him, especially if she knew he only wanted her to go because he didn't want to put her in danger, too.
The little glade fell quiet with her gone. Too quiet, cold -- and God, he ached. His broken arm had taken a bad twist. He feared getting the bone reset. The already sprained knee didn't feel much better, but at least he hadn't broken that bone. The tear in his shoulder burnt like fire even in this damned cold.
Why the hell had he ever come back here?
He needed closure on this part of his life, but he hadn't expected permanent closure. He didn't have his gun. He couldn't stand again. He wasn't going to be much of a test of Junior's skills when he showed up.
He felt badly for how Ginger would feel, but better she survived than to go down with him.
He closed his eyes, listened to the whisper of falling snow, and waited.