The second Salome was in his arms, Malachi's world narrowed to a single point.
Her pulse.
He pressed two fingers to her neck, counting beats, his other hand cradling her head as it lolled against his shoulder.
"Boss—" Jackson started.
"Get the car. Now."
Jackson moved immediately.
Malachi gathered Salome closer, one arm beneath her knees, the other supporting her back. She was completely slack, her breathing shallow but steady, her face pale in the dim light of her apartment.
"You're okay," he murmured, more to himself than to her. "You're okay. I've got you."
He carried her out to where Jackson had pulled the car up to the curb. The back door was already open.
Malachi slid in, keeping Salome cradled against his chest. Her head rested in the crook of his neck, her hair falling acr
