A/N - I know its a very short chapter, but I promise the next is going to be longer! And maybe two more chaps after this...
Sarah had no idea how long she was out. But when her mind slowly gained consciousness and her senses began to work, an unusual but familiar smell reached her nose. She sniffed again, not wanting to believe what her brain was telling her. But again, the same choking substance made her cringe in fear. And there was only one explanation.
There was a fire.
She opened her eyes as much as she could, suddenly feeling weak. She was surrounded by smoke that was causing her to cough. She pushed herself up on her elbows, finding it took more effort than she remembered. She had to get to the front door where there was fresh air.
Using the table and a nearby chair she managed to stand upright. She looked around trying to see where the fire had started, but it had spread everywhere. Sarah tried walking, which was wobbly and difficult. She made it as far as the printing press before collapsing from lack of energy. It was as if the fire had knocked every ounce of energy she had out of her.
Sarah slowly began to loose her grip on reality. The smoke had ceased to make her cough and she was suddenly getting sleepy. The last thing that went through her head as she closed her eyes was James's smiling face.
"There you go, she'll do the trick for sure." the man shook hands with Moses and Dr. Franklin.
"I hope so, or the Gazette won't have a story for some time." James wiped his forehead. It was hot and that part was heavy. He was about to say something when he noticed the smoke in the distance. Something was obviously on fire. Very unusual.
Then a man on horseback came galloping up to the docks shouting something inaudible. When he stopped his horse and filled his lungs again, everyone nearby heard him.
"The Pennsylvania Gazette is on fire! The building is on fire!" James's heart was in his throat instantly. A quick glance at Moses and Dr. Franklin confirmed that they heard the man too. Without a second thought, James was on the man's horse and sprinting in the direction of the print shop.
"James, come back! Its too dangerous!" Moses's calls were mere muffles to James. His Sarah was in danger, and he had to do something.