Lucy surged forward reflexively in an attempt to get away from the water coming into the hole behind her. Her right hand made hard contact with Jane's shoulder, jarring her injured arm. "Ouch! Damn it, I said don't panic." Jane's cry of pain reached the thinking part of Lucy's brain. Going forward would hurt Jane. Back. She had to go backward. She shoved one foot back the way they'd come and came in contact with her pack. She kicked at it, trying to shove it out of her way. It slid away but not far and she was forced to fight it again. Too slow! The water was going to win. "Lucy? You have to stay with me," Jane called. Lucy heard and stopped fighting her pack. Her feeling had been right, she was going to die in this hole but Jane didn't have to. If Lucy didn't let the panic win, she might be able to do her part to shove Jane to safety. If only Mae would hurry. The makeshift stretcher started inching toward freedom again but not nearly fast enough. Did Mae even realize it was raining? Was there water running toward her as well?
