She pressed the gun to my head. “One more step and she and the baby die.”

His eyes locked on mine. I saw everything in them: fear, rage, powerlessness.

Another contraction hit. I screamed.

Julian’s fists clenched. “Take me instead.”

“No,” Cassandra said. “I want you to watch.”

The baby moved inside me, a frantic push for life.

Julian took another step. Cassandra’s finger tightened on the trigger.

The storm roared louder, blocking out everything.

And ...