Strangely, the boom of his gun shocked her perhaps more than the white-hot pain that seared her skin. She gasped in surprise, and heard a woman's voice cry out. It took a few seconds to register that the voice was her own. And then she was falling forwards, feeling strangely weightless, mind and body adrift, her own momentum intensified, by a brutal shove from behind. She felt light, giddy, strangely euphoric. Had she been capable of rational thought, she would have known these symptoms were a combination of rapid blood loss and the corresponding surge of adrenalin that rushed her system - her body's natural response to the bullet's assault.
Dimly, she could hear the rhythmical pounding of … what? Foot steps? Was that the fleeing of the killer, or was it the sound of her own blood that was pounding in her ears? But now it was getting harder and harder to think at all. She knew something was wrong, very wrong, but she was sleepy, hazy – was this a dream?
All at once she hit something solid – the floor? But by now she was beyond caring, her mind and body shutting down.
She heard a roaring in her ears, saw the brief flash of a light and then there was nothing.
***
In the confusion as Tanis was thrown forcibly into his arms, Steve lost his gun. In seemingly slow motion, he could see the mummy making its escape, fleeing into the half-light and disappearing down the labyrinth of corridors that stretched far beyond his field of vision. He wanted to follow, but then he was falling backwards, in his current condition too weak to support the added weight of her inert body. He reached out with one hand, desperate to stay upright, but his head was spinning and his muscles had turned to jello. As he hit the floor, with Tanis sprawled on top of him, he thought he heard his father's voice, and from some way off, the blaring of sirens and the flashing of lights. He could taste blood in his mouth, could feel it running in rivers down his face. Tanis was heavy across his upper body, constricting his chest and he was dimly aware of the laboured sound of his own breathing. His vision was blurring, the sirens becoming muffled.
'Dad?' he tried to cry, but his throat wouldn't work, and then there was nothing but darkness.
***
As he knelt beside his son, repeatedly calling his name, Mark was vaguely aware of a hand on his arm, a voice soothing – telling him everything was gonna be okay. The corridor, which had been so quiet, so empty; was now filled with noise and confusion. Sirens pierced the air, tearing painfully at his ears and harsh light burned his eyes, eyes that had become accustomed to the semi-gloom. Men dressed in black, carrying assault rifles flooded the building, passing him without a second glance, so intent were they upon catching their prey. In the precision and co-ordination of their attack they reminded him of a swarm of black ants, marching onwards, moving as one.
'Mark, please'
The voice which had been gentle was becoming more insistent, the hand on his arm now attempting to pull him away. Angrily he shrugged it off, turning back to Steve and Tanis. Amidst the chaos and confusion they remained deathly still. Tanis' face was hidden, sprawled as she was across his son, but Mark could see the blood pooling, staining the cream coloured floorboards a crimson blush. Steve's face was ashen, his eyes shut. The blood from his head wound was sticky and congealed. Mark looked desperately for even the smallest rise and fall of his son's chest.
And still the voice persisted.
This time he turned.
'You have to let me in Mark' Jesse said gently, but firmly 'I need to look at Steve and Tanis'.
'Jesse?' Mark said in confusion.
'That's right Mark, I'm here and I'm gonna take good care of them'.
Capable hands helped Mark to his feet, and a blanket was placed around his shoulders.
'Let Jesse take care of them Mark' Amanda said gently, leading him off to the side 'You know he'll do the very best he can'.
Mark nodded, and Jesse moved forward, assessing his patients quickly. As he directed the paramedics, efficiently supervising the transportation of Steve and Tanis into the waiting ambulance, Mark watched in a daze, his mind still reeling from the events that had unfolded before him.
At Jesse's signal, Amanda, her arm around Mark, guided him forward.
'Doctor Sloan' Chief Masters called, dwarfing them as he stepped forward, blocking their path 'I need to ask you a few questions'.
'Not now Chief' Amanda said firmly 'This man is in deep shock and in no shape to deal with a police interrogation'.
'I appreciate your concern Doctor Bentley, but at present Doctor Sloan here is the only one who can tell us just …'
'What the hell is going on?' a woman's voice interrupted.
All three turned in surprise and Amanda gaped at the vision before them. The woman was stunning. Her shiny black hair flowed in glorious waves down her back, her almond shaped eyes, accentuated by the skilful application of black kohl liner, were catlike in their brilliance. Her lips were a pouting crimson red. Her voluptuous figure was barely contained in low-cut skin tight black top and matching trousers. In one hand she clutched a packet of cigarettes.
'Doctor Summers' the Chief said
'Natasha?' Mark murmured, his eyes wide with shock.
'And can you tell me exactly what you're doing here Doctor Summers?' Masters said sternly.
'I had a meeting' she replied 'but I was running a little late and then I realised I'd run out of cigarettes'. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. 'I'm afraid I can't do anything without my cigarettes. I tried to call, but I couldn't get a reply'.
'I need you to answer a few questions' Masters said, taking hold of her arm. He turned to Mark, and noting Amanda's resolute expression, let out a breath 'Okay, you're free to go for now Doctor, but I will be speaking to you in the morning'.
As he was helped into the ambulance transporting Steve and Tanis to Community General, Mark caught sight of the porter, John Anderson, face white and strained. Looking at Steve and Tanis and feeling sick with fear, Mark prayed that there wouldn't be another body to report in the morning.
Author's note: A big thanks once again for the reviews. Sorry this chapter is a little short, but I didn't want you to wait too long for the latest instalment.