I swam through blind panic in my haste to get away, get Sasha away, but time had slowed to a crawl. I couldn't think. And I couldn't outrun a bullet in time.

Thomas crashed into me and locked his arms around me and Sasha in a protective cocoon. He jerked and the coppery scent of blood filled the air. He'd been hit.

"Run!" he shouted as he shoved us away. His forearms slammed into my back as he reached into his coat and brought out his gun, already swiveling toward ...