Chapter 34
The massive blast knocked everyone to the ground.
Etan saw the others in the orange glow, felt heat on his skin. He crawled forward, shaking his head. His ears weren’t working.
His mother was still, slumped against the wall, Harry Mullins trying to get to his feet beside her. Linda sat against the building, hands over her ears.
A twisting black hole in the middle of Etan’s gut threatened to drag his awareness into the void with his mother.
Someone touched his shoulder.
Alex was on his knees beside him. His mouth moved in the dead silence. Etan staggered to his feet, but Alex blocked his way.
He thought his husband was saying too hot. The air felt more brutal than late August in Chicago, but with no humidity to slow the effect. An oily, chemical stench permeated his nose,
