@killledthem
You let him down. You let him down.
It runs as a mantra through Chris' head, sending a pang of guilt through him with every repetition. The shotgun he carries is cold against the warm palm of his hand - it's all he has at his disposal. One crap shot, one slip, one mess up, and not only is he dead - but so is Josh. Chris swallows, exhales, and he tightens his grip on his firearm. He will not let that happen.
The Stranger walks as Chris would expect any mountain hermit to - with a sneaky sort of confidence. He knows this mountain & he knows it well, better than them and any of the Washingtons. It's as if he has every rock and dip and fallen trunk memorized, as he passes over every tiny obstacle with an ease Chris can hardly manage. He wouldn't go so far as to call the man graceful, what with the flamethrower clunking with each step & the heavy fall of his boots, but the way he carries himself at least leaves Chris feeling a little hopeful. This guy knows what he's doing.
The walk to the shed isn't all that time consuming - although Chris swears the contrary. He can barely contain himself when it comes into view. He goes to run, goes to take charge - this is Josh, after all, his best friend - but the Stranger grips his shoulder, holds him back, and Chris begrudgingly does as he's told. He falls back. As they approach the mouth of the dilapidated building, Chris' hands begin to shake with anxiety. He chews the inside of his cheek & readies his shot gun at the Stranger's signal. They creep in towards the ajar door, Chris holding his breath while the Stranger looks anything but sympathetic - he thinks they're all stupid & Chris knows it. He'd be offended had he not escorted him down here (not that he needed the guys help or anything).
They're a foot from the door & a good ten feet from the pillar he and Mike left Josh tied to. Chris is aching with uncertainty, shivering both from the cold and from his worry. He can't take this slow pace. Impulsively, he breaks himself from the Stranger's spell and goes forth without him, ignoring the man's huff & clinging to his gun. He rounds the corner of the shed, throws himself confidently in front of its opening, and --
❝ Josh. Holy shit, bro, thank God. ❞