I blew out the breath I hadn’t realised I was holding and fell to the floor, caving into the pain I closed my eyes to regain my composure.
A nurse hurried to Gracie’s side and placed a wad of bandage to the cut in the side of her neck which was oozing, blood covered Gracie’s hand and her blouse.
My heart fucking shattered at the site of the crimson red.
My breathing was rapid and wreaked havoc on my injured body.
The privates face was white, his eyes wide with shock. I crawled to where he pushed his shaking, petrified body against the wall.
“It’s okay, Private, it's over.” My voice sounded thick with tension as I tried to calm us both.
I reached for Gracie, my hand found hers and her fearful eyes locked on mine. I nodded that I was fine.
Her hands were coated in blood which worried me. “Are you okay, babe?” I looked deep into her ice blue stare.
Gracie nodded at me. “I’m fine just....” She glanced at the base police who were stepping closer to Davies.
“Stop.” My eyes darted to theirs as I gave the command.
Pain seared my shoulder, I know the stitches have torn and blood has soaked into my cotton tee. Grace scowled, I knew she would have something to say about what has happened and the fact she cares brought a smile to my lips.
The police stepped back as I crawled toward Davies. His eyes found mine.
“Sarg., I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” Tears ran freely over his cheeks.
“It’s okay now, Private, let me take a look aye?” He fell into my chest and gut-wrenching sobs wracked his body.
“Just get them out, Sarg. Please, get them out. I can’t go on like this….” His voice slurred before he slumped in my arms.
I glanced over at Gracie, her strength astounds me. I watched as she injected the last of the clear fluid from a syringe into a vein in the side of the soldier’s neck.
Police and nurses lifted him from my arms and placed him onto a gurney which had been brought through. His arms fell over the sides but were quickly positioned across his chest before he was strapped down.
My heart broke for the kid as they wheeled him away. I knew only too well how he’d felt. I understood his wish to cut the voices from his mind.
“Right, nothing left to see here.” Gracie spoke with authority. “Clean this mess up and Jessa, help Mr. James back to his bed. Kerry, in my office now.’
She pushed onto her feet, one hand against her neck. I winced as pain ripped through my body with the movement of being lifted into a wheelchair. Anger washed through her beautiful eyes. She looked mad, like really fucking mad.
