Page 129 of Don't Look Down

Scooting forward, I grab the overhead strut and stand on the step just outside the door. I rock my body forward and backward, then throw myself into a front flip into the clouds. My vision is obscured by clouds. Next, I’m back at the dropzone, talking to Andrew. My subconscious recognizes the dream, but I can’t wake up.

“Would you mind coming over for dinner with a few of my friends? I know hockey isn’t your thing, but I befriended two of the players from the Bull Sharks. ” Ignoring what he said was beyond a struggle, but I’m following my gut. And it’s strongly warning me to tread carefully.

He raises his eyebrows at me, looking almost impressed when he asks, “No shit? How did you manage that one?”

“It was totally an accident, but a happy one. We’re like this.” I cross my fingers and hold them up for him to see.

“Does Cay know?”

“Nope.” I bob my eyebrows.

“So we’re going with a surprise attack?”

“Affirmative.”

He nods decisively. “He’s not going to know what hit him.”

I blink and I’m home. Everyone is here for dinner, and things are already awkward. Andrew sets a hand on Cayden’s lower back and glances at us. His smile is polite, but vacant. Zero recollection of our conversation visible on his face. “What’s going on, sweetie?”

What the fuck?I remember telling him they’d be here.

Luc holds his hand out to Cayden. “I’m Lucas Leighton. Landon and I play for the Florida Bull Sharks.”

His voice cracks and he nods. “I know who you are. Cayden James. And this is my fiancé, Andrew Adams.” He’s staring at a widely grinning Luc.

Cayden seems to have regained some of his composure. He shoots an accusatory look my way. “Sky could warn a guy. Fuck’s sake. When he told me I’d be meeting his infamous new friend Landon, I never would’ve guessed it would be Landon Spencer of the freaking Florida Bull Sharks. Jesus Christ. I thought for a minute I was hallucinating.”

Andrew scoffs. “Stop being so dramatic.” He rubs his temple, then shakes his head and disappears, the scene fading into the DZPB.

“So you’re just going to ignore me, man?” Frankie asks, following behind Andrew. “You’re better than this.”

Andrew waves his hand over his shoulder. “Stop it, Frankie. You’re exaggerating. Nothing is wrong.”

“What’d I miss?” My eyes bounce between them. Andrew stiffens and freezes. Again, he straightens his shoulders. “He-” Andrew abruptly cuts off Frankie’s words.

“Nothing.” Andrew’s eyes harden, and he returns Frankie’s glare. “Frankie’s being ridiculous.” My vision fades to black, then bright green grass suddenly appears.

Frankie is running as fast as he can. Andrew’s canopy travels aimlessly closer and closer to the ground.

Too fast. He’s going too fast.

Andrew’s canopy collapses, when he slams into the ground.

I already know, but I have to check to be sure.

Goosebumps rise on my skin, nausea roiling. Using two fingers, I grab Andrew’s wrist and feel for a pulse I know won’t be there.

Nothing.

Time of death, twelve forty-one.

Sirens fill the air, coming closer and closer, the paramedics driving over the well-maintained grass.

My eyes fill with tears that I try to force myself to swallow down. The EMTs carefully load him onto a backboard, and get him transferred into the ambulance.

Twelve forty-one.

I climb into the ambulance and watch while they work, using every scrap of knowledge to try to save his life.But it’s too late.

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