Because there is no other option I’m willing to accept.
33
Clay
The room smells like antiseptic and fear.
Hannah barely holds herself upright against the wall, wrists raw beneath broken chains while Stephen slumps beside her breathing shallow and uneven.
Both alive.
That’s what matters.
“Hey.” I move toward them fast. “We’ve got you.”
Hannah’s head lifts weakly.
Her eyes struggle to focus.
“Olivia…?”
The question barely makes it out.
“We got her out,” I tell her immediately.
Relief crashes across her face so hard her knees almost give out.
“Good…” she whispers. “Thank God…”
Lucas shoots the remaining lock off Stephen’s restraints.
Metal snaps loose.
Stephen pitches forward instantly.
I catch him before he hits the floor.
Too light.
Everybody tonight feels too damn light.
“Easy,” I mutter.
Stephen grimaces hard trying to stand.
Fails immediately.
Of course.
Nothing comes easy tonight.
“Can you walk?” Lucas asks.
Stephen shakes his head weakly. “Not… fast…”
Gunfire cracks again somewhere down the corridor.
Closer this time.
