"Mr. Ford?" Harvey's voice was tight with concern as he rushed over, eyes darting between Celeste and the blood staining her hands. His breath hitched when he saw her expression—her eyes were wide, red, and filled with panic.

"Get him to the hospital! Now!" Celeste's voice cracked as she yelled, her desperation unmistakable.

A few men scrambled to lift Nathaniel and carry him to the waiting car. Celeste tore open his shirt, her heart sinking at the sight of the wound—a deep, ...