Audrey’s coat snagged a heavy branch that lay half on the bank and half in the water. It gave Tony the chance to save himself. With one hand he grabbed the branch, and with his other hand he grabbed the collar of Audrey’s coat. The force of the current was phenomenal and he knew that he could not hold onto her for long.
‘You. Take my hand.’
Tony looked at the great hulk sitting astride the branch. He inched his fingers towards Kirill and felt a wave of relief as the man’s great paw clamped around his wrist.
‘Let the woman go. She is done for,’ Kirill shouted above the roar of the fast-flowing water.
‘No!’ Tony’s lips were so numb he could hardly speak.
Kirill pulled Tony’s arm and hauled him onto the slippery riverbank.
‘Help me,’ Tony gasped, and together they pulled Audrey’s body f
