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(Page 2 of 2) Nothing is Forever by Latete du Lion
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Juliet shrieked in shock, legs giving way beneath her. A man suddenly pushed past her from behind, causing her to trip and fall. Gun in one hand, he walked up to the groaning and spluttering Latinos. In a swift, practiced motion, he pointed the barrel at their heads and shot. They collapsed next to Juliet, bathing in warm blood, their eyes staring at her vacantly.
The man turned to face her.
"No!" she screamed, crawling away. "No! No!"
He jumped at her, and for a brief moment she perceived his black, wild eyes and the ugly scar that scythed down his left cheek. Then, something sharp and hard struck her head and soft veils of darkness clouded her vision as she lost consciousness.
Several times she surfaced out of the numbness engulfing her mind, each time in terrible agony, registering shortly that her body was being maltreated before slipping back into the welcoming stupor.
Then, she awoke a last time. Pain throbbed through her, originating from the groin and stomach, but there was a more prominent sensation that demanded her attention: a cold pressure on her right temple, coming from a metallic object. She rolled her eyes to the side and sighted the gun. The trigger finger tightened, and with a deafening bang she once again plunged into darkness.
***
"You are her brother?" The Inspector lifted his cap and stroked through his sweaty hair.
Gordano nodded briefly.
"Come and sit, please. I'm Inspector Ducheval."
Gordano sat and said nothing, his face white with shock.
"Juliet was just released from surgery – I have talked with the doctors. I am happy to say that the bullet wound to her head was not fatal. She will live." He paused, maybe expecting some sort of reaction, but when none came, he continued, "Albeit, the doctors presume she will have difficulties with attention and memorizing, as her forebrain has been severely damaged. I was told that she might be unable to recall what occurred, but please be assured that the police is doing everything possible to unravel this heinous crime."
"When can I see her?" Gordano croaked.
"You will be notified once her condition is stable."
The phone rang. "Please, excuse me." Inspector Ducheval extended his hand. "I am very sorry ... here is my card. Call me if you need anything."
Gordano got up, took the card and exited the office. He glanced down at his trembling hand, still unable to comprehend what had happened. His friend Rick was waiting for him in the corridor.
"You better help me now, Rick," Gordano mumbled dejectedly. "You owe her that much after everything she did for you and all the money she lent you."
As always when he was nervous, Rick picked at the scar on his left cheek. He nodded, but said nothing in response.
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