As Charlotte raced toward the police car, the sound of gunfire exploded behind her. She collapsed against it, gasping for breath and moaning, “Oh, dear God.”
Frantic, Alex was standing there. He asked, “What happened to Laurie? Is she safe?”
Without waiting for an answer, Alex threw his door open and rushed down the street. Two policemen tried to stop him.
He spat out the words. “I’m here with Leo Farley.”
The officers waved Alex by.
He heard a woman shouting Tiffany’s name. In an instant, a sobbing Tiffany stumbled into her neighbor’s embrace.
But where is Laurie?
Unspeakable relief overcame him when he spotted Laurie standing with her father. An NYPD jacket was wrapped around her shoulders.
She was alive. She was safe.
“Laurie, Laurie!” he shouted.
She turned at the sound of his voice. When he pulled her into his arms, it felt as if they were all alone. When he finally let go, both of their faces were wet with tears.
“How did you know to come?” she whispered.
“Tell you later. My God, I love you so much.”
They held each other in the street, moving only to make room for the onslaught of police cars and ambulances that were arriving.
Leo came over to them saying, “You two get out of here. You don’t need any more of this. A car will take Charlotte home. The department’s going to want to question you, but it’ll be hours before they’re ready.”
Laurie looked between Alex and her father hesitantly. “Are you sure that’s okay?”
“Who knows the ropes of an investigation better than your old man? I’m serious: Go. I’ll make sure the powers that be know how to find you.” He patted her on the back, steering her in the direction of Alex’s waiting car.
“Our plan was to go back to the restaurant,” Alex told him. “Our table is waiting.” He said gently, “Laurie, are you still up to it?”
“Absolutely!”