TWENTY FIVE – HOT TRAILS

MASON

"Sir, the attackers have been restrained by the police…well, some of them. Most of them got away with choppers and escape cars. The Chief of Police would love to speak with you."

Darth is standing just behind me, but it feels like he's millions of miles away. His voice is a small, annoying buzz in my mind, trying to distract my focused stare on Mira's pale face. Perhaps if I stare at her long enough, she'll wake up.

That trick did not work for me when I was eleven and my mother was bleeding and dying. I feel my chest squeeze at the thought that it might not work for me now.

"Sir, the doctor advised compulsory bed rest for Miss Fernandez. If you will just…"

I turn cold eyes on him and his mouth snaps shut. Who the hell does he think he is to tell me to stay away from my woman? Even a river of hot, burning lava will never keep me away.

"The Chief of Police is waiting." Darth says, head bowed.

I run a palm over my face, trying to organize my thoughts. So much has happened within