The morning after the bail revocation, Emma walked out of her therapist's office with her coat drawn tight, head down.
She hadn't told Austin about the session—he had enough on his shoulders. And besides, it was supposed to be a quiet morning.
A new beginning.
Until she noticed the man standing too still across the street.
Black hoodie.
Face obscured.
Then he moved.
Fast.
---
A flash of silver. A scream. A blur of motion.
“Emma!"
Austin's voice tore through the air as he slammed into the attacker, knocking the blade sideways.
It still caught his shoulder.
Emma fell back as blood sprayed across the sidewalk.
Pedestrians shouted.
The masked man tried to run, but a bystander tripped him. Two others piled on.
Within minutes, the sirens arrived.
Emma knelt beside Austin, pressi
