Chapter 2 - The Name Ben Recognized
“Ben!”
Grace’s shout snapped him back.
The SUV tilted harder.
Ben pulled the rescue line tight while Grace dragged the older man toward the broken window.
“What did he say?” Ben yelled.
“Help me first!”
Grace braced one boot against the submerged door panel.
Her scraped forearm pressed against jagged glass, but she refused to release the man.
Nash secured the boy near the road barrier and returned through the current.
The mother was still trapped inside.
She clung to the headrest, coughing as water reached her chin.
Grace forced the older man through the opening.
Ben caught his shoulders.
Nash supported his legs.
Together, they hauled him onto the SUV roof.
The old man’s breathing was shallow.
His silver watch remained visible beneath his soaked sleeve.
Ben stared at it.
Grace saw recognition in his face.
“You know him?”
Ben looked away.
“No.”
The answer came too quickly.
The SUV shifted again.
Metal screamed beneath the water.
Grace turned toward the mother.
“Give me your hand!”
The woman reached through the window, but a seat belt trapped her waist.
Grace climbed back inside.
Ben seized her harness.
“Donovan, the vehicle is going under.”
“She’s still attached.”
“The fuel line is leaking.”
Grace looked directly at him.
“Then cut the belt.”
Nash handed her a rescue knife.
Grace disappeared into the dark interior as the water reached the bottom of the window.
Behind them, the open ramp of the Navy C-130 glowed through the storm.
A voice came through Ben’s radio.
“All personnel withdraw. That is a direct order.”
Ben looked toward the aircraft.
Then toward Grace inside the sinking SUV.
May you like
He switched off the radio.
👉 Whoever had issued the retreat order did not want the crew near the old man’s watch.
