After the rain stops, Hunter sits in the mud and studies the wrecked ranch house. The ruined walls, collapsed roof, broken deck, and bullet damage make the aftermath of Vince’s attack unmistakable, while Vince’s body has been torn apart by the grenade outside. The destruction confirms that the fight is over, but it also shows how narrowly Hunter and Rink survived.

Rink stands guard with his carbine while he and Hunter trade dark jokes about the house and Hunter’s injuries. Their banter masks shock and grief, especially after the recent losses that left them distracted before the attack. Rink notices shrapnel lodged in Hunter’s back and refuses to remove it until Hunter can get proper medical help, warning that Hunter could bleed out.

As Hunter tries to assess what happened in the final moments of the firefight, Hunter asks about Jason Mercer. Rink admits that Rink did not see Mercer during the last exchange because Rink was busy fighting another attacker. Hunter then realizes the gunman who had been about to kill Hunter must have been shot from below the deck, meaning Mercer likely took cover there and saved Hunter’s life.

That realization immediately turns into fear when Hunter considers that the grenade may have buried Mercer under the wreckage. Hunter tries to move toward the collapsed deck, but blood loss and injury make Hunter’s legs fail. Rink lowers Hunter safely and goes to check the debris.

Before Rink can dig far, Mercer pushes aside broken planks and shingles and asks for help. Rink pulls back more debris and sees Mercer alive, covered in dust and splinters. Mercer’s relief at seeing Rink shows how close he came to dying. With Mercer found alive and the immediate danger truly over, Hunter finally loses consciousness from blood loss.