Final Absolution

Declan startled.

Silence came instantly after the loud sound.

Declan's brow furrowed.

He felt nothing.

No pain. No heat. No sensation of the kind that typically accompanies a gunshot wound.

Then came a heavy sound from behind him.

Something heavy struck the concrete floor.

Declan turned.

His eyes went wide.

Sloane lay on the floor—her body collapsing in a way that held no beauty, no drama, only a