Under Fire Read Online Free PDF

the captain nodded at Zack. Carefully, Zack popped a latch on Tanner’s side and let down the rear bench seat to clear the path somewhat. Cori moving from the driver’s spot and climbing over the console would be the tricky part.
    Pushing his hat back, he crawled inside. On his hands and knees, inch by inch. “Cori? You still with me up there?”
    “Hurry!” Long gone was the cocky attitude of their earlier meeting.
    His heart lurched in response to her terror. “I’m here, but you’re going to have to meet me halfway.”
    “Nooo! If I move, we’ll fall!”
    “If you don’t, we’ll fall anyway. You want me to get you out, right?”
    “Yes, but I can’t—”
    “You can . Listen to me. Unbuckle your seat belt. Do it now.”
    She did, taking the strap off her shoulder. “Okay. Now what?”
    “Good. Turn your body to your right, nice and slow, so you can see me.” Leather squeaked as she followed his direction, scooting around in the seat. Bracing a trembling hand on the console, she got her first good look at him. Instantly, her eyes widened in recognition.
    “You!”
    He tried a reassuring smile. “Must be kismet, huh? Don’t worry. In spite of earlier evidence to the contrary, you’re in good hands.”
    She let out a shaky laugh that didn’t quite hide her fear. “So you’re not a complete dipstick. Nice to know, Zack.”
    He grinned at her, glad she had some sass left, even if the barb was directed at his head. That meant she was thinking clearly and would help him get her out of this mess.
    A groan of metal reached his ears from somewhere behind him, and a ripe curse from Salvatore.
    “Move it, amigo! She’s not gonna hold for long!”
    Amigo? Since when? Salvatore couldn’t stand him, so he and Cori must be in deep shit. A trickle of sweat streaked down Zack’s fevered cheek as he inched forward. Reached out a hand. “Cori, climb over the console.”
    “Zack—”
    “If you don’t, we’re both going to die, because I’m not leaving without you. I promised.”
    She glanced at his outstretched hand. Read the truth on his face. He’d willingly give his life for hers. His resolve seemed to fortify her own, and she heaved a deep breath.
    “All right. Here I come.” Wiggling a bit, she crept forward, squeezing between the seats. One hand over the other.
    “Easy does it. Just a little more.”
    The truck gave a sudden lurch, nose dipping downward. Cori shrieked, grabbed for him, and missed. Metal squealed, the noise deafening as the truck slid, tearing the undercarriage. He didn’t have to look to know the guardrail was giving way. Or that Sean and Howard were no longer holding down the tailgate. The SUV tilted toward the swollen river at a crazy angle.
    With nothing to stop him, the momentum sent him into the back of the seats. Sweet Jesus. If he went over, he’d crash into Cori and send them both toppling through the shattered front windshield.
    The vehicle shuddered and stopped.
    “Zack, get out of there, dammit!” the captain bellowed. “Grab her and go!”
    Leaning over the row of seats, he reached for Cori once more. “Now or never.”
    Bracing her booted feet against the back of the driver’s seat, Cori pushed herself toward him in one last-ditch effort, beautiful face totally focused. Determined. When she grabbed for his hand this time, she didn’t miss.
    Zack pulled Cori over the seat, practically threw her toward the open hatch. Bracing himself underneath her, he cupped her ass and shoved her hard toward his team. Toward freedom.
    Several pairs of hands hauled her to safety, and he exhaled in relief. Cori was out. Following behind, he scrambled toward the opening. His fingers wrapped around the lip and he hauled himself up—
    Just as the guardrail holding the chain gave way.
    A terrible rending of metal filled the air. Lightning split the sky and thunder rolled as the rail snapped. The chain whipped, the backlash popping like a gunshot. A blow slammed into his head with