Behind him is Moore, holding a large hunting knife to Vin’s throat-not unlike my own.
“My men will easily take out yours, you have lazy fat cops, I have military trained men. Drop your knife and take your death like a man.” Carm’s voice is loud and clear.
“He’s no man.” I call out as I stride forward.
“Ember.” Carm grits through his teeth but nothing will stop me from getting to my man.
Vin’s head slowly lifts and he flashes me that crooked grin, his dimple still prominent among the blood.
"Took you long enough. I was about to lose a finger because of your tardiness." His voice sounds like he's been screaming for hours on end.
I stop at about halfway between him and Carm. He's no more than twenty feet in front of me and I can't stop this anxious feeling of needing to have him safe in my arms.
"You know me, always needing to make an entrance." I smile back at him knowing it looks forced and fake as fuck.
I take notice of a few things right away. Moore's men have their guns drawn but none of their fingers are on the trigger, they have no idea exactly why they're here, Moore's hand is slightly shaking, his fear is bleeding through even as he tries to hide it, and Carm's men are spread evenly around the room, making sure to be present in each corner.
I'm covered on all sides and that eases my anxiety some. One of Carm's guys shifts until he's a few feet from my front.
"I see you!" Moore yells out to him. "Stop moving!"
His eyes look manic and deranged, probably a lot like my own. I watch as if in slow motion as Moore's fist swings out and slams into Vin's jaw. His head snaps to the side and blood begins to run down his chin and drip onto the floor.
Don't ask me what came after because all I would be able to tell you is that my world became many shades of red. My pulse throbbed a rhythm through my body and all noise faded to a dull buzz.
Ember's body is stiff and I can almost see the tension radiating off her in waves. I try to grin at her to calm her a bit but she's not watching me. Her eyes are flitting around the room quickly, assessing and determining her next strike.
One of Carm's men is shifting slowly towards her, putting his back to her front and I'm thankful someone is trying to protect her.
"I see you!" Moore's voice is like nails on a chalkboard. "Stop moving!"
My head is jarred once again by this motherfucker's fist and I feel my mouth fill up with blood. I keep my head down and try to focus on not passing out, watching as the blood in my mouth slowly drips onto the wood flooring.
I hear her before I even register it. I force myself to look up and I watch as she storms the platform I'm sitting on. Moore's knife that was once at my throat hangs limply by his side as he watches her with wide eyes.
One of the cops tries to run forward to cut her off but Carm shoots him point blank in the chest and he falls like a sack of potatoes.
Em barely pauses and she bends and picks up the fallen cop’s gun then hops over his body. In the span of seconds shit is happening, I watch as Carm begins to run and shots begin to ring out in the place.
I struggle against my bonds because I need to protect Em, I don’t want her to get shot for me.
I feel the cool touch of the sharp blade against my throat again and Moore’s heavy breathing on my neck.
“If I’m going out, you’re coming with me.”
He digs the blade in deep and I feel the slow drip of my blood as Em screams. She lifts the gun, fires off a shot, and I feel it’s heat along my cheek.
Moore’s blood explodes along the side of my face, warm and thick. My stomach rolls at the rusted stench and I breathe through my mouth.
Then her hands are on my face, cupping my cheeks, and scanning me for injuries. Shots are still ringing out, men ducking behind pews, and Carm runs up.
“Untie him and get him out of here.” He says to Ember as he shoots another cop.
I look around and I’m shocked to see more coming in from the same entrance Em came from. Someone called for backup and now we’re outnumbered.
Em cuts away the tape and hoists me up out of the chair. I stumble but right myself across her shoulders.
“I’m not leaving you.” She says to Carm and I watch the tears run down her cheeks.
“I will be right behind you.” He nods. His throat is working hard to swallow.
A shot whizzes above our heads and his features harden. “Get the fuck out of here, Ember!”
“I love you.” She tells him a sob escaping her.
“Remember that.” He nods. “Remember I love you, too.”
Carm and I lock eyes and what I see in their depths will forever cement my respect for the man. He gives me a brief nod and then pushes his sister towards a set of stairs that will lead upstairs to the main entrance.
One of Carm’s men grabs my other side and we flee with Em casting one final look back at her brother.
25
Carm’s eyes meet mine and he gives me a sad smile. Then I know I need to get Vin out of here. He’s getting heavier and his head is rolling from side to side.
We hit the stairs when the gunfire erupts and we rush up the stairs to escape any notice.
The town hall is empty and thankfully with the help of one of Carm’s men, we drag Vin towards the front doors. When I open the doors, my eyes are
