Chapter Twenty-Five

Wyatt, took hold of Melanie's hand and the two started moving toward the rear exit. With their backs turned they didn't see one of the wounded T.H.R.U.S.H. agents lift his arm off the floor, pick up a gun and aim it directly at Melanie's back.

With no time to warn her, Stuart jumped in-between the bullet and its intended target. Wyatt pulled out his weapon and got off one more shot, ending the threat of the wounded assailant right after the bullet entered Stuart's solar plexus.

"Stuart, NO!"

Melanie screamed and ran to where Stuart had fallen. His shirt was already covered with a deep red stain that was growing larger by the second. Knowing he didn't have more than a few moments of life, Stuart reached into his shirt pocket and handed Melanie his communicator pen.

 "It's working now," he coughed slightly. "Call Don. And tell him I'm sorry."

Melanie took the pen from Stuart. Her tears streamed down her face, landing on Stuart's lifeless body. W