Daniel Is Shot & Killed:

Neither he nor I saw Cruz walk in, but by that time he was already sitting on my chest, the knife pressing into my throat, drawing blood. I gasped for air as the knife point came in contact with my airway. The next thing I knew, Daniel was laying on top of me and the knife was all the way through my neck and I couldn't breath. Cruz pulled Daniel's lifeless body off of me and radioed for a bus. I was gasping for air and clutching my neck.

"Cory, can you hear me?"

"Cory, come on stay with us. Stay awake, help is on the way."

My grip around my neck relaxed some as I passed out. I knew no more until I awoke in the hospital.

The Hospital:

Kim was the first to notice that I was awake. She left my room and returned with not only my parents, but also Dr. Moralis. I was still groggy from the medication and pain killers. The doctor checked me out and told my family that I needed my rest and left the room. I looked at my parents.

"How long have I been out?"

"Only a couple of days gave your co-workers a hell of a scare. Cruz said you passed out in her arms. Bosco had to carry you to the patrol car because the bus was stuck in a traffic jam. They got you here just in time. Cruz held a towel on the wound till they got here and by that time everyone, including Kim & Grace, who were in the bus, was here. Get some rest, we'll talk later."

"Let me talk to Cruz."

"Alright then get some rest. Everybody clear out. I'll get Cruz."

Everyone left the room and Cruz walked in.

"Your father said you wanted to talk to me."
"How did you know I was in trouble? In the bathroom I mean."
"I heard someone inhale deeply and I didn't hear you going to the bathroom. That was my first clue something was off. Second clue was the inhale of breath. My third clue was hearing that pocket knife being snapped open. I knew something was wrong so I pulled my gun out and walked quietly into the restroom. When I turned the corner I saw Daniel sitting on you and a small pool of blood forming under you. I did what I had to do."

"Did you kill him?"

"Yes, I figured it was the best option. Faith, Bosco, Davis, & Monroe were right behind me when I pulled the trigger. Didn't you hear the gun go off?"

"I was too busy trying to stop my own blood from…" I had drifted off to sleep. Cruz knew I needed my sleep & left the room.