TRUE

CHAPTER TEN *JULIAN*

        I come awake and find Everly's side of the bed still empty, Noah snuggled up to my side. I bet she fell asleep in front of the television again. I carefully extricate myself from around the baby and slide my pillow down so it still feels to him like I'm there.

        I go to the bathroom and when I wash my hands, I see a familiar item propped up against the backsplash. I pick it up, flick on the overhead light because the night light is too dim to see clearly by.

        Pregnant.

        What?

        A grin spreads across my face. I know the timing is terrible. I don't know how Everly feels about it, but the fact that she left the test in plain view has to mean something. I can't help feeling a little thrill zing up my spine. I missed her entire pregnancy with Noah. I want to be present next time.

        I head downstairs to seek her out but she's not dozing on the sofa. I frown and walk through the first floor, calling her quietly without response. Something in me starts to waken. An emotion I don't ever want to feel again.

        I take the stairs two at a time. But Noah's room is empty, too.

        My heart rate revs up.

        I fly down to check the alarm system. Fully armed.

        What the hell?

        My truck is in the drive a few feet away from the police cruiser.

        Where is she?

        I jam my bare feet into my boots, disarm the system, and leave the door wide open so I can hear Noah if he rouses. 

        When I get to the driver's side of the black and white, everything in me stills. 

        My heart.

        My breath.

        My mind.

        There's bullet hole in the window. I throw open the door and there is Jerry, the one Everly likes best, shot to death.

        The emotion I'm holding at bay blazes to life. The one I would like to live the rest of my life without feeling again.

        Fear.

        "Shit," I mutter. I turn and fill my lungs to shout for Everly when I hear it.

        Pop, pop, pop.

        My head snaps up in time to see a white light surge in my parents' kitchen window.

        "Oh, my God-" I run. I run so fast I stumble on the stairs. I am grabbing Noah and my gun in one fell swoop. He starts to cry because I've startled him awake but I don't even pause to reassure him.

        I hit the yard and take off at a dead run towards Cole's and Jane's place. When I storm onto their porch, I am banging on their door. I don't stop pounding until light illuminates me and the door flies open. My uncle stands with his shotgun. I shove Noah at him.

        "Take him," I pant.

        "What's going on?" he demands, accepting Noah into his free arm. I am already running towards the big house. 

        "Lock the door! Call the police to mom and dad's!" I yell over my shoulder. 

        I don't wait to see if he listens. I run, begging for stronger, faster legs than I have.

        Not again. I will not lose her again.

        Another flare of light, this time upstairs with the distinct sound of a gunshot.

        Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

        I land on the back porch and see the door to the kitchen standing open. My instinct is to barrel through it, but if I get shot I can't help Everly.

        If she's still alive.         

        Because I know she's here.

        Fear moves over. Makes room for fury to move in. 

        I use my training as a soldier to crouch down and case the place. I quietly creep into the house. I hesitate once I'm in and see the kitchen is deserted. I let out a slow breath, center and quiet myself. Listen. Silence, then the squeak of the floorboard in my parents' room. I have an advantage here that I plan to use. I grew up in this house. I know every corner and nook. 

        I make my way through the kitchen, rise and flatten myself against the wall in the hallway. Become still and listen again. Someone bumps into something overhead, swears under their breath. I can't tell if it's Clara or Everly. I slide over to the banister, duck low, and let my pistol lead me around it aiming up the stairs. It's clear so I start my ascent.

        Halfway there, Everly backs into view. I freeze. I open my mouth to call to her, but the words catch in my lungs when Clara appears, a gun aimed my beloved. My brain feels like it's aflame with anger. I raise my gun and center her in my sights.

        "You've got good aim. I'll give you that. But you waste too many shots. Now you're out of bullets...and I only shot off three," Clara says to Everly. Ev raises her hands. I slide my finger onto the trigger. Clara takes one more step, and I fire.

        "Run!" I shout to Everly as Clara is struck in the side and loses her concentration. Everly takes advantage of that moment she isn't in the crosshairs and tuns towards me. I have a hand held out to her. She reaches for it as she plunges at me. Clara recovers faster than I expect and fires a shot in my direction. I shoot again but I have Everly's hand in mine now, am descending the stairs, so I don't even wait to see if I've hit her.

        I start to run, dragging Everly behind me. I will not leave her behind. Or my unborn child.

        "Too late!" Clara screams above us, leaning over the upstairs railing. She drops two small objects into our path in the hallway leading back to the kitchen. In the chaos of my mind, I recognize them for what they are.

        Grenades.

        I have less than 6 seconds to get Everly to cover. I whirl, push her back in the other direction.

        No time.

        I shove her down in the living area and throw myself on top of her. My forehead rests on the back of her skull. Both of my arms encircle her head to protect her.

        "I love you," I whisper into Everly's hair. 

        3...

        2...

        1.