Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Richard's hand trembled around his cigarette when the gunshot rang out from inside the car. He froze, uncertain what had just happened.

He tossed the cigarette into the trash and yanked open the car door.

Inside, Dylan was holding Clara tightly, his hands shaking so badly he seemed lost, helpless.

A flicker of turmoil passed through Richard's eyes. "We should get her to a hospital."

Dylan tried to lift Clara, desperate to help, but his arms wouldn't cooperate-they felt weak and numb.

Without hesitation, Richard took Clara from him and hurried toward the hospital.

Dylan stood rooted to the spot for a few seconds, everything around him spinning. The ground felt soft and unreal beneath his feet, the world blurring at the edges. All he could see was the scene that had just played out, looping in his mind like a nightmare he couldn't shake.

He stumbled through the hospital corridor in a daze, watching as doctors swarmed around Clara, working frantically.

Her face was ghostly pale, but she hadn't fainted. Her eyes stayed shut, sweat trickling down her forehead.

After the bullet was removed, Clara leaned against the bed, silent, looking as fragile as glass.

Dylan stood at her bedside, just staring at her.

Clara didn't look at him. She didn't speak, didn't ask for anything.

After a long, heavy pause, Dylan suddenly turned and walked out without a word.

Clara pressed her lips together, still saying nothing.

She'd been recovering here for weeks, never stepping outside Palm Bay. But her worry for Dylan had only grown, wearing her down until she was little more than skin and bone.

Richard showed up at the doorway, surprised to see Dylan storming out, radiating anger.

are you going?" he called

Dylan just kept walking,

into Clara's room, letting out a

two are unbelievable. Guns aren't toys,

when you turn one on yourself. If Dylan ever comes to grips

Clara really was ruthless.

with others-worst of

quiet for a moment, then managed, "Dylan will probably bring the specialists back. I'll take you home to Palm

turned to the window, biting her lip, her eyes shining with

two words, and her voice was all ragged, as

Palm Bay, and that's when

took one look at

assumed

behind it. For a

second, something like excitement

eyes, but

"Clara, are you okay?"

shook her head, pale and quiet

hurried to

to whip

then came back

the sweat

brow.

it the old man again? Who did this

kept her eyes closed, her

but then the housekeeper appeared at the

a call. They want you

recovering how could she leave her now, when