Hank's lips quivered. "I deserve that. I'm so sorry Joe. I knew you wouldn't lie to e...I guess ...I was just...so lonesome..." He shook his head hating himself for making excuses. There was no excuse.
Hank stared at her in disbelief. "You're tellin me...I put my brother's life on the line...for...for someone who just set out to...to use me...what was I gonna be your alibi?!" Hank shook his head, his turn to back up. "You stay away from me, " his voice choking. "You stay the heck away from me!"
Hank winced at the harshness of his cough, reaching a hand behind him and rubbing the middle of his back knowing from the sound of the cough it had to hurt.
Hank choked out his name between breathing air into his lungs and compressing his chest rhythmically, forgetting everything else in his effort to save Joe.
Hank's heart was beating fast. Quickly he pulled the gag from his mouth. "He ain't breathin..." He tilted his head plugging his nose and gave him a couple of rescue breaths before compressing on his chest. "Come n Joe..." he pleaded. Despite how mad he had been, he loved Joe still and right now he was scared beyond belief.
The water was murkey,. Hank could barely make out the still form at the bottom. Lifting Joe into his arms he kicked his way to the top quickly running out of air fast.
Hank heard her, and took off towards her screams. The poor horse probably had never been ridden so fast in its life. Reaching the pond Hank jumped off, kicking off his boots and diving in to the water.