20. Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty
MIA
I could tell something was wrong before Zack even answered the phone.
The way his body language changed, like something wasn’t right.
And then how it intensified as he spoke to someone on the phone, seemingly bracing for danger, cemented that feeling for me.
I didn’t fully grasp what exactly was going on, even as Zack grabbed me by the hand and ushered me toward the front of the bar.
But then I saw it. The front of the bar quickly filled with smoke, and flames lapped at the windows. Within seconds, the loud piercing sounds of smoke alarms blared to life.
The crowd surged around us, and I stumbled when someone pushed me. Maybe it was my training, or maybe it was just who I was, but I wasn’t going to panic. However, I couldn’t say that about the dozens of people around me.
Zack paused, making sure I was good, and then tucked me into his side, leading us to the front. “Stay calm,” he called in a loud, firm voice. I wasn’t sure if it was directed at me or the crowd around us. Or both.
Some people started to turn and head toward the back of the building. I glanced back, seeing that people were evacuating that way.
“Zack.” I stopped and pointed in that direction.
He shook his head. “Need to make sure everyone upstairs gets out.”
Oh God. I had forgotten all about our friends and the other people up there.
I focused on taking shallow breaths to not breathe in too much smoke and fumes as we headed for the base of the staircase.
Logan and Izzy met us at the bottom of the stairs. It was hard to see, but I could just barely make out other people coming down the steps behind them.
“Everyone good?” Zack glanced up the stairs, hesitating.
Logan nodded. “Yeah, I think so. Adam said he’ll bring up the rear. Make sure everyone is out.”
Zack nodded back, then glanced down at me.
I could tell he was grappling with a decision, but just as quickly he turned back to Logan.
“Front entrance is blocked now. Going out the back.” He pointed behind us and said, “Keep low.” Zack placed his hand behind my neck, urging me down into a lowered, bent position as we made our way to the back.
As we hurried past it, a bottle of alcohol behind the bar shattered and ignited into a bright fireball.
I gasped, and the sudden intake of air caused me to start coughing.
Zack barely reacted to the chaos. I’d almost forgotten he did this crap for a living.
Confident in his ability to manage the situation, I focused on his hand on me, guiding me, and was extremely grateful to have him by my side.
We all piled out through the back exit, and the chilly March air was a shock to my heated skin. I continued coughing as spasms tore through my chest.
Zack appeared in front of me, removing his jacket and throwing it over my shoulders. “Deep breaths. In through your nose…”
“I’m—” I coughed again. “I’m trying.”
“I know, baby.” He rubbed his hands up and down my arms as he glanced around the crowd.
It didn’t even register right away that he called me baby. Something about the endearment at this moment didn’t actually bother me. It was…comforting. I stepped into him and his arms surrounded me. I didn’t even give a shit who saw or what it meant.
Another minute went by, and he was stepping back, cradling my face in his hands. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
He frowned as he scanned the crowd now gathered behind the building, and his mouth set in a hard line of concern as he moved away from me. “Logan,” he yelled. “Where’s Adam and Lyla?”
Logan studied the people gathered around us. “They were right behind us.”
I started to look around too, seeking out my best friend.
“Fuck,” Zack yelled, and bolted toward the bar engulfed in flames.
“Zack,” I screamed out, and my heart sank as I helplessly watched him disappear into the burning building.
My gut churned and fear gripped my throat.
The thought of losing my best friend and Zack was almost too much to bear.
With my heart beating wildly in my chest, my vision tunneled as I stared at the back entrance, waiting for them to emerge.
I pulled Zack’s jacket tighter around me, his scent providing me some comfort, as well as a reminder that while he was funny and attractive, he was also stubborn and determined.
He would find them. They were all going to be okay.