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Bea climbed in behind the wheel, cussing and carrying on. She slammed the door shut.

“I’m not staying here with a dead cop,” she said.

“Close the passenger door,” Brynn said. “I’m staying back here to help her.” Her mind was made up. Vander was not going to die on her watch. She pressed into the wound and supported her head. Vander stared at her as Bea closed the door and threw the car into gear.

“Williams?” she asked.

Brynn nodded. Vander tensed and started to panic, but Brynn held her hand and squeezed. “It’s okay. We’re going to the hospital.”

Vander licked dry lips and her sky blue eyes focused. “My partner…”

“Shh, everything’s okay. Just hang on.”

“This is crazy,” Bea said. “God damned crazy.”

“Just drive.” Vander was still watching her.

“My dog,” she said and then swallowed. “He’s home alone. If I don’t make it…take care of him.” Her breath shuddered, and Brynn stroked her face to calm her.

“He’ll be fine. You’ll be fine,” Brynn said. Vander licked her lips again and nodded. A tear slipped down her face. Brynn had never noticed before how incredibly beautiful she was. Almost angelic with white-blond hair and pale eyes.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Try not to worry,” Brynn said. “It’s all okay. You’re safe.”

Vander closed her eyes, and Brynn held her hand as Bea sped on.

“She gonna make it?” Bea asked, eyes looking in the rearview.

“If we hurry.”

Bea gunned it, and Brynn held Vander in her arms, squeezed her hand, and watched over her as she fought for her life. Brynn did it all without an agenda or a second thought and wondered if she would return to prison the very day she was released. Maybe Mary Jo was right after all.