Rescued

The gunshot boomed in my ears. For a fleeting moment, I thought I was going deaf. I hit the floor when Ferguson’s arm around my waist disappeared. ‘Amiyah!’ Kieran was with me in the next instant. He helped me up. ‘Are you okay?’ His hand trembled as he touched my face. ‘Are you hurt?’ I blinked, still feeling a bit woozy. ‘I’m fine, I think. Where’s Ferguson?’ Kieran insisted on checking me for injuries. I patted his hand. ‘I’m fine, really. Go.’ I couldn’t describe how relieved I was when I glimpsed Ferguson lying on the floor in a heap. He wasn’t moving. A small pool of blood was forming underneath his motionless body. I looked away. ‘Kieran, go check on Claire.’ Kieran froze. Shakily, he rose to his feet. Claire was still in the cart. She had not moved since Ferguson pulled out a gun. Gently, Kieran lifted her out. He placed her on the floor, weeping silently. ‘Mom.’ When I saw Claire’s bloodless face turning blue, I almost fainted. Trembling, I checked her pulse. Nothing. I placed