Chapter 99

I could hear sirens in the distance as the operator continued to speak to me. She was telling me to look for a pulse, but I was too overwhelmed to focus on what she was saying. Then, the gallery door burst open, and we heard footsteps in the hallway. A moment later, two paramedics burst into the room. They kneeled down next to Jaxson and began to assess the situation. I stood back, trying to make sense of what was happening. I felt numb, like I was in a dream.

One of the paramedics looked up at me.

"Do you know what happened? he asked, his voice calm and professional.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I couldn't seem to find the right words to explain what had happened.

"We need to know what happened so we can determine the best course of action.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

"I... I don't know," I said, my voice trembling. “We found him like this.

The paramedic nodded, and he and his partner began to work on Jaxson. I stood back, feeling helpless a