Seven
Howling sirens and the incessant flashing of emergency lights encased the night in its red, hot chaos—a clash between water and flame as unwavering firefighters battled the fire, a plume of smoke rising over dimming city lights in its wake.
Between the prong of homeless spectators and the aggressive mob of bar occupants, rescue workers found it quite a challenge to keep the intoxicated crowd subdued. All of this only added to the feeling of frenzy creeping up Scarlet’s chest as they wheeled her into the back of a waiting ambulance.
“How many?” She grabbed onto the paramedic’s arms, green eyes ablaze with anger and sorrow.
His gaze took her confused expression in. “Don’t worry, detective, we have you now,” he answered, assuming she was in shock.
Pursing her lips, she repeated in
