I stood there watching as Cammie and Agent Cameron were loaded up into ambulances. Cammie was screaming, hysterical and Agent Cameron was lying motionless of a stretcher, her blood seeping through the white sheets. It was, a moment trapped in time only I was trapped there with it.
I sat down on the concrete, motionless, staring at the retreating lights and the masses of people converging around the scene of the crime. Everything happened so fast that night, but I replayed every incident in my head. And it was all my fault. Not just that night, but every incident of pain that's happened to her has been my fault. And I didn't want to love her, with my blackened soul, because she deserved better.
But I couldn't help but love her all the same.
And finally it was Joe who found me tears dripping down my face. I did not sob, my breathing was calm and steady. But even in the dark, Joe knew me. He placed his arm around my shoulders and whispered softly to me.
"Its okay, it's okay. Everything is going to be okay. She is going to be okay." But if he was speaking for my benefit or his own, I'll never know.
"Zach" he said "These past few months you've been doing things no kid your age should have to do. It isn't right. I should have been there for you. Fighting at your side." he paused. "And Zach?"
I looked up at him as he pulled me close and said "I'm proud of you."
"Where are we going?" I asked him.
"Somewhere safe."