“I don’t care,” I snap. “Get everyone out.”
Another blast booms.
The pressure wave slams into my back and throws me forward.
I hit the floor hard, the air whooshing out of my lungs in a helpless, humiliating grunt.
My head bounces off tile.
Stars explode behind my eyes.
For a horrifying second I can’t feel my legs.
Then sensation crashes back in all at once and I scream.
Not from fear.
From pain.
“Kim!” Mara shrieks.
Hands grab my shoulders.
I shove them away and force myself onto my knees, swaying.
“I’m fine,” I lie. “I’m fine, I’m fine?—”
Something warm pours down my face.
Blood.
Mine again.
“Jesus Christ,” I whisper.
The front door finally bursts open and a wave of smoke pours out into the street.
Fresh air rushes in like salvation.
“Go!” I scream at the last handful of customers. “Go now!”
They run.
Mara and Ishaan drag Lily toward the exit.
“I’m not leaving you!” Mara shouts over her shoulder.
“Get her out!” I yell back. “That’s an order!”
Another shot cracks.
This one closer.
My ears ring.
The boots in the kitchen start moving forward.
Slow.
