The captain’s somber voice keeps me rooted in place, my hands at either side of me and my heart beating so loud, I can hear it in my ears.
I search around to try getting a glimpse of him, but he’s not in any of the nearby trees. He must be close enough to see me, though.
“He’s watching your every move. If he gets a clear shot, he’ll finish you.”
“How was my position exposed?”
“He used the shots you took as a parameter to find out where you were. He’s probably the one who took out our snipers.”
“Fuck.”
“Fuck, indeed, Lipovsky. Your life is on the line now. If you move, you die. If you stay there, you’ll also die, because he likely sent the infantry in your direction.”
I gulp, feeling the strap itch against my neck. Despite the fact that I’m fully covered with combat gear, ice hardens my brain.
“What do I do?” I murmur. “Should I just go for it?”
“If you’re in the mood to die, then sure, Lipovsky,gofor it.”
I narrow my eyes. Was that sarcasm just now? I turn my head to the side to search for him. A shot hits the tree trunk, missing my nose by an inch.
Holy shit.This asshole has a beef with me.
“I told you to stay fucking still.” The captain’s command nearly pierces my eardrums. I resist the urge to massage my ears since that would surely cost me my arm.
But I can’t stay still. If I do, I’ll be ambushed and killed. If not by whoever the sniper sent, then by a distant shot. I’m a sitting duck at this point.
“Listen to me carefully, Lipovsky. I’m going to need you to distract him.”
“How…?”
“Any way that doesn’t put you in danger. But I do need him to take another shot at you.”
“Uh…how can I accomplish that and not be in danger?”
“Throw a stick or your rifle.”
“No way in hell. Losing my weapon is no different from losing my life.”
“That’s your inferiority complex speaking, and watch the tone. Now, think of something at the count of five, four…”
“Wait!” I can’t think this fast.
“Three, two…”
Shit.
Shit.
“One.”
It all happens in slow motion. I lunge forward, not to be a martyr, but because I honestly think the other sniper is too smart to be fooled by a stick or even a rifle.
He probably won’t take aim unless he sees me in his sights. Which is why I have no choice but to go this route.
I hear the shot and the thud in my upper back before I feel the burn beneath my skin.
Pain explodes in my shoulder, and gravity pulls me down, but I manage to use the remainder of my strength to push myself back against the tree trunk.