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Austin’s feet didn’t touch the last rungs on the ladder leaning against the side of his Trident. Sprinting across the deck, he pushed maintenance crew and officers to the side, barreling toward Towers and Ryker.
Reaching Towers’ feet, Austin fell to his knees and placed his hands over Ryker’s arm. Rivulets of blood poured from her ears and nose. One crimson trickle fell from her eye, running down her cheek like a bloody tear.
“No!” he yelled. “Baby, no!”
He kissed her forehead, but she didn’t respond. Gone were the dark eyes blinking back at him, the tender smile whenever they touched. Resting his trembling hand on her stomach, he looked up at Towers.
“Step back, Lieutenant,” Towers said, his voice low. “Let the medical team look at her.”
His jaw dropped. “She’s alive?”
He gestur
