Chapter 3

I stared in shock, my eyes wide.

How could this be happening?

When the fire broke out, the scene had descended into chaos. Amelia had been so terrified that she'd practically frozen.

I'd been the one who risked everything to smash my way out of the closet to save her.

That was how I'd broken my leg.

Austin was still holding his ground. His eyes bloodshot, he roared at Henry.

“Henry! That was so loud. Are you deaf or blind? How much time could it possibly take to go in and check on her?”

His furious outburst finally made Henry's expression waver.

He was just about to speak when Mom's urgent voice came through the radio again.

“Henry, you took so many people upstairs. Have you rescued Bruno yet?”

“Amelia is so worried about that dog that her condition has worsened. She's outside crying and convulsing, absolutely refusing to get into the ambulance. If this drags on any longer, her life could really be in danger.”

Whatever hesitation remained in Henry's eyes vanished completely.

“Austin, please calm down. Don't let your personal feelings interfere with rescue operations.

“Everyone knows about your relationship history. You should be keeping your distance to avoid any suspicion of favoritism.”

Austin's eyes widened in disbelief. He looked as though he'd just heard the most ridiculous joke imaginable.

“Have you lost your mind? What does avoiding suspicion have to do with this? She's a living human being!

“You're willing to mobilize every available resource to save a dog, so why can't you spare just one person to go inside and check on her? It would take thirty seconds at most!”

Someone in the rescue team turned away, unable to bear watching, and let out a helpless sigh.

“Captain Xerri, just let it go. These are direct orders from the command center.

“The director said that even though Ms. Smyth is her own daughter, the more sensitive the situation, the more important it is to prioritize the safety of the public and their property. Family must be put last, without exception.”

I didn’t know how much time passed before nearly all the blood in my abdomen had drained away.

Finally, I heard someone outside.

Henry approached the door again, but the first thing he said was, “Tammy, Amelia's dog is safe, but you need to wait a little longer.

“Mom doesn't want Amelia going to the hospital alone. After all, today's your wedding, and Amelia came all this way to be your bridesmaid. Now she's been through such a terrible fright. No matter how you look at it, our entire family has a responsibility to see that she's taken care of.

“Mom has already arranged the city's highest-priority emergency route and even left instructions to clear the route to the hospital. Five minutes at most. Once we've settled Amelia, we'll come get you.”

After saying that, he comforted me in a soft voice, just as he'd done countless times when we were children.

“Hang in there. Don't be afraid. You've always been such a sensible girl.”

James stepped forward and ordered the others to drag Austin away without hesitation.

“You've seriously violated fire-rescue protocol by letting personal feelings interfere with your duties, and you've obstructed rescue operations. You're to return immediately and cooperate with the investigation.”

He sneered.

“My wife has me, her husband, her older brother, and her own mother here. She doesn't need an outsider like you worrying about her.”

In an instant, I lost every last bit of strength.

I stared blankly ahead, my eyes empty, watching as the frenzied flames burned through the last remaining barrier.