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  “Dax!” I scream.

  Ignoring me, the man squats down next to him, my heart rate has sky rocketed, and I feel like I could be sick. I’m looking down at Dax. My good eye blurred with tears, as I continue to run the blade over and over the stubborn rope. It loosens more and I’m shaking so hard I’m afraid I’ll drop the knife before I cut through. The man is checking Dax’s pockets and his body, pulling out all kinds of weaponry. The ropes open and as I keep an eye on the man, I quickly free my neck, and bend over and start cutting the ties on my ankles. I have to hurry! I have to help him! Just as I cut the ties on the last bound foot, the man stands, pointing a gun at Dax’s lifeless body. Please, be okay, Dax! Wake up!

  The man smiles, not even paying attention to me, keeping his eyes on Dax. “This has been a long time coming, my friend. A long time coming.” Keeping the knife down by my side, I grasp the handle tighter. “You’ve played a good game but I always knew how this would turn out.” I stay ready as I watch him cup the handle of the gun with his other hand. “Just goes to show what I’ve always said. You’re no better than your father.” What does that mean?

  When you hear people say in a horrific tragedy that everything moves in slow motion, they aren’t kidding. It was like a scene from a thriller movie. The man takes a stance as I begin to stand, raising my arm holding the knife. “NOOOOOO!” I scream as I lunge at him, the knife plunging into the meat of his right shoulder. He spins around and the gun goes off, the closeness of the impact causing me to fly in the air backwards, knocking me into the wall, and I drop like a rag doll. Reaching up I cover my chest, feeling the thick liquid and smelling the odor of rust. My head is pounding, my breathing erratic as I look up. The man is covering his wound with his hand, blood dripping over his fingers.

  “You fucking bitch!”

  My good eye keeps trying to close as I look around for anything I can use as a weapon. I have to do something or not only will he have killed me but Dax as well. I can’t let that happen. A fairly large rock sits inches away. If I can grab it maybe I can throw it at his gun that’s shaking in his hand. I reach out, pain causing my sight to flash in and out, finally grasping it I pull my hand back.

  “YOU THINK YOU CAN DEFEAT ME?” His voice bellows in the small area. I look up in time to see him walking towards me. Closer. Closer. “You can’t defeat me anymore than your boyfriend could. For over two years we’ve played this game. Before that, he thought he had me but I’m too good. No one can…”

  His eyes widen and my body jolts and shudders as shots sound echoing in the small area. The noises of yelling and feet running fill the air. I lay my head down, feeling blood pouring through my fingers, my breathing coming out in short pants. I can’t tell if he hit a major artery or how close to my heart the wound is. All I feel is extreme pain and agony.

  “Dax!”

  I hear his name and look over at him. “Hold still, buddy. Paramedics are being lead here right now.” There’s a man kneeling beside him, one I’ve never seen before.

  “Miss. Let me take a look.”

  I look up at another man, covered in black clothing, much like a thief would wear. What’s happening? I need to know if my love is okay. “Dax.” I choke as I try to take in air.

  “No! Dax. Don’t move, man. We’ve got her.” The man by Dax shouts.

  I close my eye, trying to get air. I can’t seem to breathe properly but oddly so, I barely feel the pain anymore. Numb. Everything feels – numb.

  “Saige! God! Saige!” My eye flutters open and I’m thankful that as the lights begin to dim I get to see his beautiful face one last time.

  Dax.

  I smile when I see the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. But he’s sad and hurt. Blood streams down the side of his face, the look in his tear filled eyes are so pained. “Baby, stay awake.” His hand cups my battered face and the coolness of his touch feels so nice. I’ll miss his touch. The lights become dimmer. “No! Saige!” My eye opens again but it’s so heavy. I see his brows lower yet he tries to smile. “Please. Please, stay with me.” His chin quivers as he takes a breath. “We have so much to do together. We have so much living to do.” My breathing becomes shallower. I hear more noises of people running around, more talking and shouting. I’m so tired. “Please don’t leave me. It hasn’t been long enough. Not nearly long enough. You’re my Angel.” I just want to sleep but I want him to hold me, tell me he’s okay, and take me home. “Saige?”

  Darkness consumes me.

  I’m scared and all alone.

  I’m tousled around.

  Voices.

  So many voices.

  Noises.

  Sirens.

  More tousling.

  I look up and see a man appear. It’s like a dream. He looks at me, and I melt. He’s gorgeous, and I feel undeserving. He seems familiar but not. How can that be? He looks dashing in a starch white button down shirt, magnifying his tanned skin, honey colored eyes, and dark hair. I can see the bulges of large biceps from the tightness of the sleeves. He calls to me, crooking a finger for me to come to him. I feel underdressed until I look down and see I’m wearing a skin tight black dress, fitting me perfectly. When I move, I feel long earrings swaying from my earlobes. I look back up and see him smile.

  “Come, my Angel.”

  He speaks as if he knows me but that can’t be right. After all, he is a vision. Curiosity overtakes me so I start walking towards him, willingly. He extends his hand to me and I place mine in his. He pulls me closer, wrapping his free arm around me and I smile. I look down and notice his shirt is open and chance a peek at his well-defined abs, roaming up and looking at the perfect unblemished skin of his broad chest. He holds me, lovingly, as I reach up and grasp the top of his shirt. I want to see more. So much more.

  “Angel,” he whispers as I start to pull his shirt open. “Please, don’t leave me. I can’t live without you.”

  I turn my head, something calling to me. Darkness. Hesitantly, I begin to walk backwards, torn between what’s calling to me but not wanting to leave this man who’s already begun to fill my heart and soul. The distance becomes greater and he slowly begins to dissipate. Where is he going? I don’t want to leave. Please, don’t make me go. I need him!

  “Angel!”

  29

  I’m beside myself with worry. I’ve already been warned, more than once, that if I don’t let them take care of her, I’d be escorted and removed from the hospital. Once Peter had seen me, I tried to shrug off his help in tending my injuries, even though the pain in my head begged me to let him. He told me I couldn’t stay and continue bleeding on the floor. Another threat of removal. So I gave in and let a doctor he led me to take care of them. Now, my patience is all but spent. She’s been in surgery too long. Visions of what happened plague me as I pace the waiting room.

  “Please don’t leave me. It hasn’t been long enough. Not nearly long enough. You’re my Angel.”

  My heart beats erratically as she closes her eye. I lean in close to her open mouth, immediately placing my fingers against her throat as I beg to feel a pulse and her sweet breath against my face.

  “Saige?”

  No! It can’t be!

  A man shoves me and I turn, anger radiating through me. I push him back and pull her into my arms. “NO!” I scream, pushing my nose into her hair, swaying forward and back. “DAMMIT! YOU CAN’T HAVE HER!” I look up and scream at the cement ceiling. He can’t have won, I won’t allow it!

  “C’mon, buddy. Let them help her.” I shrug off Doug’s attempt to make me release her. But I can’t. I’ll never be able to let her go.

  “You saved me when I thought I’d never live again.” I rock her, feeling her life bleed away. “How can you leave me when we’ve only just begun to live?”

  I gasp when I look down at the feel of a hand on my arm. Weak. “Please… Stay with me.”

  “Dammit, Dax. She’s alive. Now move the fuck outta the way.”

  I nod, laying her down gently. But I
don’t go far, only a few inches away. I watch the paramedics work on her, see the solemn look on their faces as they try to save her life. Another paramedic approaches me, warily. He wants to tend my wounds but I only shake my head. It’s not time to worry about myself. It’s time to save her. I feel a small glimmer of hope as they lift her lifeless body onto a gurney and stay closely behind them as we begin the long walk through the tunnels.

  I run a shaky hand through my hair and check the clock on the wall. A little past ten o’clock. She’s been in there for four hours.

  We’d arrived at the hospital, the ambulance ride over was another part of this nightmare. After setting up an IV and checking her wound, they had to resuscitate her once. Alarmed, one of the paramedics had to hold me back, my screaming deafening in the confined space. At one point, I was informed I would be sedated if I didn’t calm the fuck down and let them do their job. I didn’t give a shit. This was my life, my only love that they were trying to save. Arriving at the emergency room was no better. I jogged beside the gurney and refused to leave her, police officers holding me back when they took her away. I screamed. Argued. But when Peter approached me, tried to calm me, I finally relinquished. He held onto my arms, speaking in low volumes, like he was talking to a scared and injured animal.

  “Dax.”

  I looked up into his worried eyes. “I’ll do everything I can. I promise. It will help me for you to stay calm. I know that’s extremely difficult to do right now. Will you help me so I can help her?”

  I nod because what other choice do I have. I know he’s right but it’s killing me being away from her. He pats my shoulder.

  “Good. I promise I’ll have someone keep you informed.”

  He lied.

  Over four hours and no word has come to me. Bastard. Turning around, I make my way back across the room, seeing several police officers drinking coffee, their eyes nonchalantly looking at me from time to time, keeping an eye on me. As if I’m in a position to do anything.

  “Dax.”

  I look over to see Doug walking hastily my way, stopping in front of me. “Any news?” I shake my head slowly, sadly. Reaching up, he places his hand on my shoulder, trying to give me strength. “She’s gonna make it, buddy. I know it.” I wish I was so assured. “I’m going to get a cup of coffee. Want one?” I shake my head, my stomach tied in knots and my head pounding. “Anything to eat.” The thought causes bile to move to the base of my throat. He must have seen the look on my face. “Okay, man. Be right back.” I watch him walk out of the room and go back to pacing. Why haven’t they sent someone to update me? Fear returns and I can only imagine the worse.

  Another two hours have crawled by and still no word. Doug hasn’t left my side and finally convinced me to sit in an uncomfortable chair. Leaning my arms on my legs, anxiety is my worst enemy.

  “Dax.”

  I look up at the sound of my name, standing quickly and walk towards Peter. “How is she? I need to see her,” I say rapidly. The look of seriousness stops me from rambling, concern and worry escalate.

  “I need to you be calm for me. For her. It’s what she needs right now.” Between the look on his face and his words causes alarm in my heart. “Do you want to sit?” I shake my head quickly. “Very well. She’s stable…” Thank God! “But critical.” My heart plummets. “Dax. Do you remember your injuries back when Dover and his men wounded you so badly?” I nod, not understanding where he’s going with this. “The wound in her chest is much like yours was only more severe. The bullet nicked a major artery but also was lodged very close to her heart. I’m aware the paramedics had to resuscitate her in the ambulance and we had to during surgery as well.” My legs nearly buckle and Doug grabs my arm for support. “I was able to extract the bullet but there’s extensive damage.” I close my eyes, praying he’s wrong, hoping against hope that she’ll make a complete recovery and come back to me. “Dax.” Opening my eyes, his face has changed from seriousness to sadness. “The next twenty-four hours are extremely crucial. I’m sorry I don’t have more encouraging news to report.”

  Swallowing hard, I take a step towards him. “I need to see her. Now.”

  He nods as if he was expecting this. “She’s in recovery. Follow me.”

  Doug pats my arm and I walk numbly behind Peter, each step taking me closer to my Angel. It’s not long before he stops near a doorway, my head turning quickly, and I look inside. Laying on her back in a small bed, she looks even smaller lying there. I can tell from here how much darker the bruise is on her swollen cheek, the area covering her eye in similar color against the paleness of her skin. My fists clench when I think that he touched her. “I’ll pray for her, my friend,” Peter says, laying his hand on my shoulder.

  I walk into the small room, grabbing the only chair and pulling it up close to her bed. Reaching out, I pick up her hand, careful of the IV tube protruding from the top. Her skin is cool to my touch. Sounds of various machines quietly fill the air as I pull her hand up, leaning down and pressing it to the uninjured side of my face. “Mia per sempre,” I whisper, feeling the cool softness of her skin against the heat of mine. “There’s so many things I want to do with you. Show you.” I continue with hope that she can hear me, giving her information that she wanted for so long. Ideas flow through my mind as I stare at her beautiful face. “I want you to meet my Mom and Little Bit.” I smile and even let out a small chuckle. “Her name is Mia but I’ve always called her Little Bit since the day she was born.” I reach over with my free hand, cupping the uninjured side of her face. “They’ll love you and welcome you with open arms. I thought we’d go there as soon as you’re healed enough. You’ll love it there. It’s only about a two and a half hour drive from here. Beautiful countryside and the home I grew up is surrounded by trees. Mom always has amazing flowers decorating the beds in the front and back and there’s even blackberry bushes just a short walk behind there.” I smile as I rub her skin with my thumb. “Now, I know we don’t have a place to get the homemade corndogs you love so much but we can stop on our way out of town and stock up.” I continue to speak to her, in a low calming voice, telling her all the things we can do and how she can complete her healing there. I described Mom and Mia and told her stories growing up in a house full of love.

  “Dax. It’s time to take her to a room in ICU.”

  I continue to stroke her face and stare at her when I hear Peter’s voice.

  “You can ride up there with her.”

  “Good. Because I don’t intend on ever leaving her,” I reply.

  “I knew you’d feel that way so I’ve made arrangements.”

  The ride on the elevator is short, and waiting for them to move her into a new bed in the little larger room only caused me more anxiousness. But they allowed me in as they hooked up all the new monitors, giving me time to look at our new surroundings. Two windows perch on the wall over a windowsill to her right, bathroom in front of her in the corner. Another large window sets in the wall to the right of the door, adjacent from her bed, allowing medical staff to look in on her. To the left of the entrance, against the far wall, sits a couch that appears to pull out into a bed and a round table with chairs between it and her bed. An uncomfortable looking recliner is close by her bed with a nightstand in between them.

  “This will have to do until I can move her,” I whisper, walking over to the recliner and pushing on the back until it’s even closer to the bed.

  “I don’t recommend her being moved any time soon, Dax,” Peter says matter of fact.

  Picking up her hand, I hold on, feeling calmer by touching her. “I won’t move her until you tell me it’s safe to. But I’ll not have her in these surroundings long after.” Silence surrounds me, knowing he’s thinking up a plan.

  “Very well. When the time comes, I’ll make the arrangements.”

  I nod, not looking away from Saige. I hear his footsteps fading and go back to caressing her hand and talking about our future.

  ~§~ ~§~ ~§~ ~§~


  Two days later and even though my fear intensifies by the fact she hasn’t awoken, I’ve talked about my childhood, my school days, how I went into the police force and then into undercover work because of Dad. I explain how Dad was an undercover cop for the bulk of my life, and how he lost his life to the asshole that did this to her. I went on to talk about my music, how I never dreamed of making it big, but how it calms me, and how I loved to play and sing. I talked about all the memories we’ll have together and how we’ll make so many more.

  “Dax.”

  I startle when I feel Peter’s hand on my shoulder and whispered voice. I guess I’d fallen asleep on the recliner. “Can we talk?” He tilts his head towards the door. “In private?”

  I nod, letting out a huge yawn. Standing, I stretch then lean down, kissing the top of Saige’s head. “I’ll be right back,” I whisper, pushing back some of her long hair. The dread of leaving her even for a minute builds but I turn and walk out of the room and see Peter standing there.

  “Let’s go to the family waiting room. It’s empty.” Turning my head, I look inside at Saige, not wanting to be far in case she wakes up. What if I’m not there? She’ll be scared and alone, something I vowed I’d never let happen again. “Darby?” I turn back to Peter and see him looking down the hall. Darby runs up with a big smile. “Would you mind sitting with Saige until we return? We’ll only be in the family waiting room for a few moments,” he says pointing the other way. The room is only a few doors down but still.