Pov Frank

I watched Joe fall twenty feet. He fell after the masked gunman shot him.

Joe landed on his stomach 10 feet away. Unfortunately Joe was only a foot away from the gunman.

The gunman smiled and took a step toward Joe. I knew the guy wanted me to react. I tried to keep still but when he took another step closer to my brother i found myself running. No way would I get there in time, but I'd rather die trying to save Joe than live without him.

I sprinted five feet when the gunman flipped Joe over on his back.

"One move and he's dead," he said and pointed his gun at my brother.

He smiled as he grabbed Joe's hair and hauled him to his feet. I dug my nails into my palms but remained still.

"Wake up Joseph or I'll kill your brother," the man said as he supported my brother.

Blood ran out of Joe's nose and mouth. I watched his blue eyes struggle to focus.

Blood ran from Joe's arm where the man's bullet had winged him.

The man aimed his gun at me. My last thought was I had failed Joe.

Joe's head leaned against the gunman's shoulder. He was barely alert. But for a second my eyes caught Joe's.

"Got a plan," Joe said.

Before I could move or reply, Joe shoved his body in front of the gun. As they fell to the floor, I heard a gunshot and saw Joe's body jerk.