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And found the back seat empty.
I stood on the running board to give myself a little height... and saw no one.
Rose was gone.
***
“What?” Even injured, Theo half turned in his seat to look at the empty second row. “Son of a... where did she go? I locked the door—did she let someone in?”
“The magic could have messed with the electronics,” I said.
“They grabbed her,” Theo said, voice quiet. “This was some kind of distraction.”
“We don’t know that for sure,” I said. But I didn’t like the heavy guilt that settled in my stomach. Roger had asked us to rescue a woman who was plainly being hunted by something big and powerful. And we’d failed.
Chicago and Illinois law enforcement vehicles squealed to a halt on both sides of the gate, or what remained of it. Gwen ran toward us, one hand holding her badge aloft, her other hand steadying the holstered weapon at her hip.
“What the hell happened?” she asked, and looked with fear toward Theo, who sat with eyes closed in the front seat.
“The people gunning for the woman we were sent to rescue made a last stand at the gate.” I gave her a description of their vehicle. “And they used a ghost army.” It sounded more ridiculous aloud, but the truth often did. “Theo’s arm is pretty messed up. Where’s the closest ER?”
“Chicago South,” she said, and walked to the open passenger door, stared down at him. “You better heal up fast, Martin, because you still owe me a date.” Her voice was steady, but there was fear in her eyes.
“Got it,” he said. “No interruptions.”
“No interruptions,” she agreed and closed the door. “Don’t wait for an ambulance. I’ll get you a police escort.”
I nodded and hoped the SUV would start now that the attack was over.
Gwen must have seen the concern in my face. “What else is wrong?”
“Rose is gone—the woman we were supposed to keep safe.”
Her brows lifted. “Gone?”
“She was in the backseat and the doors were locked. Theo and I were fighting the ghosts, and when we came back, the car was empty.”
“Well, damn,” she said, and frowned while she considered. “You get Theo to the ER. I’ll handle things here, and I’ll look over the area personally for any signs of struggle, or an indication of her direction.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“It’s my job,” she said, as an officer approached us. “Officer Garibaldi, there’s an injured Ombudsman in this vehicle. Escort the car to Chicago South ER, and let them know you’re on the way.”
“Ma’am,” he said in agreement, then looked at me. “My vehicle’s parked just behind you. I’ll pull in front, lead the way.”
“Thank you again,” I said to both of them, then looked at Gwen. “Can you ask Roger to meet us at the hospital? I’ll explain what happened when we’re there.” And I wasn’t looking forward to that.
“I will. Go,” she said, giving Theo a meaningful look before moving aside for the cruiser. “Keep your eyes on the road—and him.”
“He’s my number one priority.”
THREE
It’s not as bad as being shot with an arrow,” Theo said, as the escort and I drove at very illegal speeds toward the nearest emergency room.
The arrow had been the fault of the city’s mercenary fairies. Theo winced, jaw tight, as we hit a pothole. That was the fault of the city.
The officer who led the way was a solid driver and wasn’t afraid to use lights or sirens. We made it to Chicago South in record time, and the SUV’s passenger door was open before the wheels had stopped spinning. A nurse looked in. She had brown skin, gray hair, and a steady expression. She gave Theo an up and down, and her eyes didn’t so much as widen at the glowing break in Theo’s arm.
