It all happened so quickly. I didn't even know what was happening until Officer Hopps was on the ground in front of me, and the sharp report of the gun was fading.
I stared at her fallen form, my brain sluggishly trying to process this new variable. I have enemies, sure, but who would do THIS?
Two hybrids run to her side, kneeling. My brain attaches names to them, in apology for its earlier underperformance. Hatsune and Connor. They run a gardening shop. They were somebody's plus ones that I got introduced to.
They seem unglazed by the sight of blood, and quickly staunch the flow. From what I can see, she was lucky. A clean shot through her shoulder, missing major arteries and bones. She must have fainted from shock.
Her counterpart, Officer Jackson, rushes over, reaching for her, but quickly pulling back. We're not scared of the sniper anymore. A hidden instinct left over from ancient times lets us know when the danger has cleared the air.
The huge tiger speaks. "I've radioed Dispatch. And ambulance is on its way. She'll be fine." His voice is charged with adrenaline. He drags a paw over his face. "Thank heaven. When Nick hears she's been hurt in my watch..."
"Who's Nick?" I ask. A boyfriend? Relative? Friend?
"Her partner and best friend. A fox."
Both of us start to relax, watching the hybrids take care of the hero. They seem capable, muttering under their breaths to each other, assessing her state. I put my hand on Connor's shoulder. "Thank you."
He shrugs, face tense. "It's what we do."
The EMT's rushed in, and carried her away. Jackson was suddenly surrounded by officers, explaining the situation.
I slipped a couple hundreds into Hatsune's purse, instruct telling me they'd reject it if they knew.
And I felt useless.
I quickly straightened my shoulders and put my mask back on. Time to be strong.
But while I was making my rounds, reassuring people, comforting, explaining, my thoughts were on the rabbit who'd saved my life.
