“Floor it!” Adam turned halfway around in the seat, checking on Jerry.
“Already am,” Nick said through gritted teeth. The car flew down the interstate toward the hospital. He didn’t slow below a hundred miles per hour, even when the lights of a squad car flashed on behind him. He screeched around cars while praying they’d make it.
Seeing the fear in Cora’s eyes churned his stomach. He loved the law, but he’d kill anyone who hurt her. She had no idea what she meant to him. He hadn’t known until today.
If only he could show her that.
If only he could get Jerry to the hospital in time.
If only he could save her from loosing another parent, enduring that loss all over again, and then having no one.
“I’ll get him,” he vowed, staring straight ahead with determination like spears of fire from God’s own hand. “I’ll get him for this and for everyone he’s hurt.”
He meant Keith at first, but he’d get Alexander too, for his perverted obsession with Cora and for shooting Jerry.
Nick risked taking one glance into the back of the car. Jerry lay lifeless and bleeding in Cora’s arms while her voice quietly begged him to hold on, to stay with them. He wasn’t sure someone could lose blood like that and live.
He gave Adam a look, and Adam discreetly checked Jerry’s pulse. Cora, bent over her father, didn’t see the fallen look on Adam’s face. “It’s weak.”
Weak, but it was still there for now. What if they didn’t make it? Seconds ticked by in slow motion as he maneuvered through the freeway traffic. He saw the minute change on the radio clock. Come on, come on!
They reached the hospital exit. The police car slowed as well and followed him down the exit ramp, through the six blocks to the hospital, and into the emergency entrance. Several squad cards were blocking traffic at the intersections.
“We’re here. Hold on, Jerry! We’ll get you help.” He launched out of the car and ran inside, yelling for help. ER staff met him at the entrance as if the police had called ahead.