They’d tried listening to music after Faith had a cochlear implant activated, but she’d immediately protested. Her doctor had told her that since Faith’s hearing nerve had never been stimulated before now, the foreign sounds probably were simply too overwhelming for her to handle in the beginning. Laura had wanted to share the gift of music but feared maybe that was something Faith could neverenjoy.
For the second time that morning, tears pricked her eyes, and she pressed her fingertips to her mouth to stop her trembling lips. Music was something she’d taken for granted her whole life, and it wasn’t until Faith had come along that Laura had realized just what a precious gift it was. There were so many different sounds going on around them all day that Faith had only begun to hear with herimplant.
John had had just as much trouble understanding Faith’s needs, and had been frustrated when she hadn’t wanted to put on her implant every day. He wanted her to hear his voice, just as Laura had. But he hadn’t been a part of Faith’s life, so he hadn’t been able to really understand the delicate balance between easing her back into the sound and expecting her to just get it like a grown-up. Not that she could blame him. She’d had a hard time at firsttoo.
Diggs got to his feet and crossed to them, shoving his hands into his pants pockets. “Finally, someone with sometaste.”
Although Diggs was a few inches shorter than King, they both towered over her. At five foot seven she was actually taller than most of her friends. That, added to her very curvy figure she’d unfortunately developed at a very young age, had always made her feel big boned. For the first time in her life she actually felt small, yet not the least bit threatened. More like…protected.
Digging for his phone from his pocket, Diggs pulled up his iPod and switched to another song. “Three 6 Mafiahas a good beat.” The lyrics immediately slowed, got deeper, the bass heavier and the words moreprofane.
Laura flinched at a few of the choicer lines, glancing at King to gauge his reaction. He was studying Faith intently, but what he was thinking she couldn’t evenguess.
Two full songs played out, letting Faith enjoy her newfound treasure. And then Laura’s stomach grumbled and Faith had to be hungry too. She crossed the room, tapping Faith on the shoulder to get her attention. “You like themusic?”
In response Faith stuck her hands up in the air and wiggled her hips back andforth.
“You still hungry?” Lauraasked.
“Yes,” Faithanswered.
“Let’s get somebreakfast.”
Faith gave a longing glance at the speaker, palming it oncemore.
Laura’s stomach clenched. “I bet Mr. Diggs will let us come back if you asknicely.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” Laurasigned.
“Will you ask?” Faith took herhand.
Laura nodded her head. “Diggs, you mind if we come and listen to the music some othertime?”
“Heck yeah,” Diggs drew out, crossing his arms over his chest, “it’s about time I found someone else around here with sometaste.”
* * *
John Dawson clawedhis way back to consciousness, pain racking his body. Blinking, he fought the fog and tried to remember what had happened. He’d gone out for doughnuts. For Faith. Hisdaughter.
He’d forgotten he even had a daughter, or a sister until… Until he found that letter shoved in the bottom of his military supplied black box. He’d forgotten hisfamily.
He sucked in a harsh breath and a long, hard cough racked his body. Agony twisted around his bones, searing into his right shoulder. He lifted a weak and shaky hand, feeling for the center of pain only to come away covered inblood.
It all came back to him. In Laura’s house. She and Faith backing toward the front door. He’d triggered the countdown without thinking, his response so automated it had happenedunconsciously.
He should’ve put a fucking bullet in King’s head and finished the job. Fury ate at his insides. His team hadn’t been satisfied to leave him for dead, they were insisting on wiping out his family, too. He had to get to them. He had to getFaith.
He shoved up onto an elbow, white-hot fire and blackness swept him all at once and he collapsed back onto the hard, damp concrete. A swinging single fluorescent bulb flickered overhead buzzing like a wasp on short circuit. The light pierced his eyes, even as he fought to keep them open and stayawake.
He must’ve dragged himself here after the bomb. Although where here was, he had no idea. The only thing he knew was he had to move. He had no idea what King wanted with his family, but after Dawson had almost killed him, it wouldn’t be anythinggood.
Dawson tried to rise again, managing to square up his elbow on the ground as he panted for breath. So weak he could barely hold himself up, he forced himself up to his palm by sheerwillpower.
Tingles swept up his torso and teased his mind. He closed his eyes, fighting off the haze. Faith. His baby girl. He had to find her. Had to saveher.
The blackness crept over him, tugging him down into thedark.
