“Where are you?” It isn’t Savannah now; it’s Killian, and his panic is palpable.
“North Avenue, by the library,” I swallow thickly, stomach rolling over. I think I’m going to puke.
“Where was he shot, Sloane?” Killian asks, no,demands.
“I don’t know!” I cry, “I don’t know, he’s bleeding, fuck. There’s a lot of blood. The ambulance is here.”
“Is he awake?”
“No,” I gag, as panic rises.
“We’re almost there,” Savannah is back on the phone, “Breathe, Sloane.”
“I can’t.”
Lily continues to scream, feeding off my energy. The police are shouting; Dean isn’t waking up. Everything is crumbling.
“Ma’am?” Someone touches my arm, and I startle. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“We’re almost there, Sloane,” Savannah assures.
There’s too much going on, too many people talking. What the fuck is happening!?
The phone slips from my hand, and I hear the screen crack against the sidewalk as both my arms come around Lily. I shield her with my body, holding her so tight, nothing will be able to break it.
“Ma’am,” They say again, “Ma’am, are you hurt?”
My eyes drag over to Dean, who is being moved onto a stretcher, his body lax and unmoving, eyes closed. Someone presses gauze to his shoulder, and his skin looks too pale, too sickly, and sweaty.
“Is he dead?” I whisper.
“Ma’am,” A police officer steps in front of me, shielding my view, “I need to ask you a few questions.”
I look past them to where Dean is being wheeled toward the waiting ambulance.
“Did you see the shooter?” The officer asks.
I shake my head.
“Do you know which way they were coming from?”
Moving Lily into one arm, I point down the street, but I have no idea if I am right. Dean’s now being loaded; the doors are being closed as the sirens start anew.
“Is he dead?” I repeat my question.
“Sloane!” Savannah’s voice cuts through the chaos.
“Who are you?” The officer cuts her off.
“She’s my family,” Savannah hisses at them, “She suffers from anxiety, and right now you’re not helping!”
“Is he dead?” I ask again. Why is no one answering me? It’s a really simple question. I just want to know.
Hands cradle my face, and I feel a tugging on my arms, which immediately sends me into defensive mode.
“You can’t have her!” I scream, shoving away so I can shield Lily from whoever is trying to take her.
“Sloane, it’s us,” Savannah’s face swims in front of my eyes, “It’s me and Killian.”
