Page 170 of Black Bird

She stilled, staring at him knowingly. She knew more than that poem that had hung above her bed.“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night …”

Athan swallowed, meeting those wild eyes that burned with that fire he loved so much about her. “I dreamed about you for a really long time, I think.”

Her smile was subtle, but deep … warming every part of his undead soul. “So did I.” She zipped up her jacket and opened her car door. “Let’s go save somebody’s life.”

Annie’s eyes faded in and out with sleep while Brent impatiently waited with her parents, pacing and checking his phone for the time … for a phone call. Frantically checking the little girl’s monitor for the weak squiggle of a heartbeat when she seemed too still. Twice now, her nurse had come in to check on her, and twice Brent had jerked his head towards the door in the hopes that he’d see Sarah walking through it. He silently prayed that she hadn’t changed her mind, and that he wouldn’t have to watch this child die tonight—especially when her hand was on the lifeline that could change everything.

“Should we call her?” Vanessa asked, dabbing her eye when Annie’s breathing rattled in sleep. Brent paused his pacing, feigning confidence as he smiled at her.

“She’ll be here.” He nodded assuredly.

“She didn’t sound like your biggest fan.” The husband’s words weren’t meant to sound pointed and shameful, but Brent felt it all the same. There was so much doubt in his voice. So much hopelessness.

“She’s not … but she wouldn’t break her word. Especially with something this delicate. I dunno what she was doing when I called.”

“I hope you’re right,” Vanessa croaked, taking Annie’s cold hand into hers.

The little girl’s breathing started to slow, and the three of them stilled, silent as death, watching her chest rise in sputtered movements, and then fall shallow as she twitched beneath her blanket. His heart ached. If Sarah didn’t get here soon, he had a good mind to try to do this himself. It was clear she wouldn’t make it through the night. She might not make it through the next few hours. As if in reply to his scrambled thoughts, a soft knock sounded on the door. It quietly opened, and Sarah peeked inside.

Thank God.

“Am I too late?” Sarah whispered, sliding through the door, Detective Kane behind her as she gripped his hand. All the tension Brent thought had eased when he saw them together this morning came back. He tried not to let it show as Kane softly closed the door behind him and met eyes with him.

“No,” Vanessa breathed, standing and reaching out her hand in greeting. “Thank you so much for coming. I’m Vanessa. This is my husband, Greg.” Sarah gently shook both their hands and glanced at Brent before turning her attention to the withered young girl in the bed.

“My name is Sarah. This is Detective Athan Kane. I hope you don’t mind. He was my ride.”

Her ride … yeah, I bet.

Brent tried to remind himself not to think about anything but Annie as Kane let go of Sarah’s hand to introduce himself.

“I recognize you from the news,” Greg nodded. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Likewise.” Kane tightened his mouth in a polite smile.

“If you guys are done, I’m kinda on a tight schedule,” Annie weakly said, seemingly struggling to open her eyes. Kane shifted into the corner behind the door, and Sarah smiled sweetly as she rounded Annie’s bedside. The little girl lifted her chin and peeled her eyes open. “You’re a lot prettier when you’re not pissed.”

Sarah chuckled through her nose. “I’m really sorry I ruined your night, kid.” Her face slackened into a deep remorse, and Annie eyed her carefully. “I hope you’ll let me make it right.”

“Are you sure you can?” Annie asked, scooting the blood bag from beneath her sheet. Sarah looked down at it, and then back to the child.

“I don’t think I’m gonna do you any favors by lying to you. I dunno what will happen.” Sarah’s eyes softened, and Annie swallowed once—twice—those tired eyes full of hope and fear. “I will tell you that I’m confident you’ll feel better. I can’t promise anything else.”

Annie’s eyes raked over Sarah, and then she slowly slid her focus to Kane in the corner. He stood quietly, crossing his arms in front of his chest and softly smiling at her, though Annie gave him no such smile. She took in every inch of him and pressed her mouth in a thin line. “You’re not supposed to be here,” she rasped, her brows scrunched in confusion.

“I apologize, Princess. Do you want me to leave? I don’t wanna impose—”

“No, I don’t mean here … in this room.” Annie shifted in the bed, trying to get a better look at him. Everyone either sat or stood in anticipation. Kane’s eyes fixed on the little girl. “You’re stuck here … where I am.”

Sarah stared at Kane, but he never took his eyes off Annie. “Where you are?” Vanessa asked, glancing between them both.

“In the ‘in between’ … there’s darkness all around you. I can see it. It’s waiting to drag you away. Just like me.”

“You’re right,” Kane smirked, nodding at her. “And it’ll continue to wait. Until I give it permission.” He gently lowered his arms and stuck his hands in his pockets. “Sometimes … even if we get stuck against our will, and Death thinks she has the last laugh …” Kane met Sarah’s stare, his entire body sagging under it. “Fate has other plans, and hands us a torch.”

Brent bristled, watching Annie as she peered into Sarah. “It’s scared of you. Why is it scared of you?”

Sarah audibly swallowed. “I’m not sure, baby girl. I guess I’m a freak of nature.” She shrugged and offered her a slight grin. Annie turned her eyes to Brent.

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