Senses spinning as the pressure left his neck and his chest, Todd rolled to the side and grabbed at his throat, sucking in ragged breaths. He spat out bile, gagging as it burned a path up his throat.
Todd got one arm under him and eased back until he was braced on one elbow. Coughing and spasms wracked his body. The sights and sounds of the room around him rushed back, making him squint and cringe away from all the noise assaulting him. Someone tugged on his arm.
“Nick?” Todd croaked.
“No. What the hell happened?” It was Captain Howard. She helped Todd sit up, steadying him. “Easy.”
She scooted away and leaned over Nick, feeling for a pulse and frowning. Todd crawled closer.
“Nicky?”
Nick was too still. A gash ran along one temple and cheekbone. His knife lay beside his head.
Captai
