The struggle erupted instantly. Vale swung the shovel with vicious force, metal whistling past Manny’s face. Manny stumbled, boots sliding through mud as he dodged each strike. The cold ground offered no traction. It became a fight for survival, each second narrowing the gap between danger and rescue.
Just as Vale raised the shovel again, the dog burst from the trees, slamming into his legs with fierce momentum. Vale toppled backwards, crashing into the mud. Manny seized the opening, wrenching the shovel away and snapping handcuffs over Vale’s wrists before he could regain his footing.