When they were just a few feet from the door, Molly reached her free hand toward the edge, intending to push it open, but there was suddenly a huge man in her way. With a glare at the broad back in front of her, blocking her way and even her view of the entry, she dodged around him, giving him a sharp elbow in the side. Even if he was just trying to be chivalrous, it was still a ridiculous thing to do.

Easing the door open, she took a cautious step inside, grateful for John’s watchful presence at her back. The murky ambient light illuminated the interior just enough to see shadows and forms. Dust and the lingering hint of old chemicals prickled her nose. Before she could take a second step, a darting movement caught her attention. Molly sucked in a startled breath and spun to face the threat, her entire focus on who—or what—was in the dark space with them. Before she could race after whoever it was, the world behind them lit up, whiting out her vision. She didn’t have time to think or plan or even duck before a ferocious boom sounded, so loud that she felt it through her entire body.

John! her brain screamed, even as she knew it was too late to help him. The explosion had already sent her flying forward, weightless, from the force of the blast.

Chapter 12

The flash of light and crashing boom of the explosion blinded and deafened Molly as she flew through the air, the sudden, unexpected shock of it stealing her ability to think. The floor came flying up to meet her face, and she automatically executed a dive roll. Her palms connected with the gritty concrete floor as she tucked her head and curled her body, letting her momentum carry her through the somersault and onto her feet. A tiny, functioning portion of her brain thanked Felicity for forcing them to practice tumbling moves over and over until the motions were burned into her muscle memory.

She crouched for a fraction of a second, not sure what was happening and disoriented by the flickering, changing lights and smoky smell. A crashing sound next to her jerked her out of her frozen paralysis. Twisting around, lifting her fists instinctively in front of her face, she saw John sprawled on the floor, wooden pallets scattered around him. Apparently, he hadn’t landed as gracefully as she had.

Before she even thought about moving, she was already rushing to crouch next to John’s large, motionless form. Her heart thudded with dread as she took in his closed eyes and limp body. He was normally so strong and dynamic that it was horribly wrong seeing him lying there so still. With a hand that trembled despite her best attempt at staying calm, she reached to check his pulse. Before her fingers could touch his skin, his eyes blinked open, and relief poured through her in a dizzying rush. His eyes went from fuzzy to sharp, focusing on Molly.