Page 71 of Ace

A sound up ahead made his feet dash toward it. “Hello!”

He turned a corner on the path, leaving the warehouse behind him. “Hello!”

The voice sounded stronger, muffled, but hope surged through him as he recognized English. An American at least. Female.

“Gi!”

“Ace!”

He tore closer.

She lay in the dirt, trying to lift herself to see him. She was contorted somewhat, a huge amount of wreckage holding her down. He slid down at her side, holding her face in his hands. “Oh, Gi. Where does it hurt?”

Tears fell from her face. “You came, Dex. You came.” She tried to move but called out in pain. “I don’t think I’m injured, just raw from trying to rub my way out.”

He turned to her legs. “You did all that?” A pile of wreckage lay around her. He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Just sit tight. I’ve got this.”

“I know.” Her weak voice brought tears to his eyes.

He lifted piece by piece everything that rested on her legs, and then he carefully lifted her.

The wind shifted direction and smoke filled the air around them.

“Is it…bad?”

He nodded. He started moving away as quickly as he could. “The building is destroyed, but there are more weapons that, if the flames catch, will blow again. We gotta get out of here.”

She tightened her grip on him. “Let me run.”

“Can you?” He searched her face.

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “We have to put out the fire.”

“We can’t. I was there. it’s too high, too much. We can’t.” He stared into her eyes with the sorrow he felt, and after a moment, the stubborn fire left, and she nodded. “Okay.”

“Oh! We have to let your dad know.” He shifted her so that he could bring his phone out of his pocket. “Call him.”

She dialed his number. “Daddy?”

His heart clenched.

“Yes, Dex is carrying me away from the building. Love you too.” She hung up and cradled the phone. “He’s sick with worry. I can hear it in his voice.”

“I know how he feels.”

Gianna looked up into his face. He could feel her eyes, but he kept his gaze on the path in front of him. “I’m sorry.”

“Me too. Let’s talk all about it when we get you somewhere safe.”

“But what if the fire spreads?”

“I don’t know.” The wind picked up, and Dex looked up. “Hey.”

She followed his gaze. The sky was covered with thick darkness. “Do you think…”

Before she could finish her question, rain poured down as if turned on by a hose. They were soaked through immediately. And she became slippery.

He slid her down. “Can you stand?”

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