Twenty minutes later, the paramedics were sliding Nathan’s gurney into the back of the ambulance and closing the double doors. By the time they left in Harvey’s Mercedes, at least twelve SDPD cruisers had arrived on scene, interspersed with five San Diego Fire Department engines and patrol units. Three additional ambulances had also arrived. Every house within one hundred yards of ground zero was being barraged with red-and-blue stroboscopic flashes. Two news helicopters were orbiting at a safe distance while a police helicopter used its blinding spot to search the neighborhood for the missing merc. Holly was impressed by the efficiency and professionalism of the SDPD.

She felt certain she’d hear from San Diego’s SAC tonight, probably within the hour. What a paperwork nightmare. At least Nathan seemed stable and didn’t appear to have too serious a head injury. He’d have to undergo all kinds of tests to make sure, but she wasn’t too worried. Her throbbing arm reminded her she needed some medical attention herself. Nothing some stitches and antibiotics couldn’t handle.

The ambulance pulled up to the emergency room’s entrance. Harvey killed the headlights and parked behind it. Nathan waved as the paramedics pulled his gurney out. She felt her chest tighten. Even strapped to a gurney with a blood-soaked bandage around his head, Nathan had a commanding presence.

If there had been any doubt before, it was now dispelled. She loved him. How had this happened? So this was the result of letting your guard down? Now what? Should she tell him? What then? She was being too analytical and needed to trust her own words. Let’s just take things a day at a time and see what happens.

“Holly, you still with me?”

“It’s just… I’ve never been in a gunfight before.”

“Sucks, doesn’t it.” It wasn’t a question.

“It’s not like the training.”

“Let’s get that arm stitched up. We can reflect on tonight’s events later.”

“How do you do it?”

“What?”

“Keep your cool. How do you do it? I’m shaking like a leaf right now.”

“Your adrenaline rush is wearing off. It’ll pass.” Harvey took a deep breath and sighed. “To answer your question, I’m used to it. I’ve seen my share of violence and death.”

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you that.”

“I’ve come to terms with my past. So has Nathan. We neither dwell on it nor sweep it under the rug. You’ll get over the way you’re feeling. It’ll just take some time.”

“I guess I’ve always known this day might come, but this isn’t how I imagined I’d feel.”