Arc 3 | Hells Grace (23)
HELLS GRACE
Part 23
Tessa pointed at the hidden trail. “It’s down there,” she said, bracing herself from what Hodge was about to do. She stared at the weapon in his hand. “Hey, you promised you’d let me go.”
Hodge chuckled and shook his head. “Not here, you idiot. Go on. Walk down that trail.”
“But I did what you asked! I showed you where it is!”
“Once I see the gem, I’ll let you go.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Are you testing me, bitch? I’ve got two shells eager to eat your face if you don’t do what I say.”
Tessa’s Resolve dropped to a bloody orange, and she stepped back. She didn’t want to get near the Core Tree and didn’t want to see what happened to Clay’s body after she left him to die. Whatever courage she had leading Hodge here was quickly dissipating. Her gaze darted toward the trees, and I realized she was looking for Old Growth, expecting him to hide behind the thick canopy.