Taking Daniel through the labyrinth of back streets was the closest Casey ever wanted to get to Hell.
Getting him across the wasteland and through the iron bars of the barricade proved to be the easy part. Getting across the city in the dead of night safely was another matter.
He stumbled every few steps, in so much pain it took all her strength to keep him upright, and all her focus to keep ahead of the gangs that stalked these streets at night.
The constant, nerve-shredding vigilance exhausted her. She paused at every corner, searching the next shadowed alley for predators. Daniel’s ragged breathing scared her—and not only because it told her he was fast losing what little strength he had left.
Every harsh breath echoed in the narrow corridors created by multistory buildings, announcing their presence. Casey couldn’t do anything about that, except protect him by avoiding the worst spots in the city. Which meant taking a long, rambling path to Dr. Harrison’s clinic, and praying that tonight he followed his regular routine of staying late.
She carefully leaned Daniel against the brick wall of the shop across the street from the clinic. He raised his head, dark hair plastered to the shock-pale face.
“Here?”
She forced herself not to flinch at his rasping whisper.
“Almost. Daniel,” she reached up to touch his cheek, pulled away before she made contact. This need to comfort, to touch, to want—it scared her. More so because he should have been her enemy. God above, he was her enemy. She simply couldn’t shove him in that mold. Not now. Probably not ever. “I need you to be prepared. Dr. Harrison may refuse to treat you.”
Instead of surprise, she saw weary acceptance in his dark eyes. That hurt more than she expected.
“I will—” He took in a shallow breath. “I will accept his decision, Casey. You have already done more than you should for me. Considering who I—”
A harsh gasp cut him off. Casey caught him around the waist when he doubled over, clutching his arm. He shook against her, so hard she had to tighten her grip to keep her hold on him.
“Whatever happens, Daniel, I’ll make sure you’re treated. I promise you—” A noise from the end of the street snapped her head up. “Oh, God—we have to move. Now.”
She didn’t recognize the colors the bulky figure wore, but someone that big had to be affiliated with—
“Hurdy.” Daniel whispered the name. “How did he—”
“You know him?”
He lifted his head, long enough to meet her eyes.
“He—did this.”
Before she could ask any of the questions pouring into her mind Daniel passed out.