A young woman spotted the survivor from the group of family and friends who gathered behind the police barricade. She dashed past the startled policemen.
“Michael!”
His weary eyes lit up at the sound of her voice. By the time he turned, she was in his arms. By that time Lee, Olivia, and a score of policemen, reporters, and workers arrived. They surrounded Michael, pressing in and asking questions. He held Cynthia close, a dazed expression on his face.
Lee and Olivia managed to get close to him and tried to herd him through, brushing off the questions.
“Give the man some room, dammit. Can’t you see he needs medical attention? Back off, I said!”
The body bag unzipped.
Guy slowly sat up and gazed around calmly. A raven cawed loudly and landed on the stretcher. It looked at Guy with knowing eyes before it flew away. He followed its flight with his eyes before he dismounted from the gurney.
With all the attention converging on Michael, no one noticed as he picked up a spare fireman jacket and boots. He walked past scores of emergency personnel, keeping his eyes straight ahead. No one bothered to stop him.
Just before he got to the road, he looked back.
Michael sat down on a gurney, answering questions from Agent Lee while Agent Olivia took notes on her tablet. Cynthia sat next to him, clasping his hand. Policemen were busy keeping the press barricaded from the scene.
Michael looked up, locking eyes with Guy. His eyes widened in recognition. The two men stared at each other. Guy nodded slowly.
Michael nodded in return.
He turned his attention back to Agent Lee. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear that last question…”
Agent Olivia turned the direction that Michael was looking, but there was nothing beyond the road except the surrounding thicket. A raven fluttered from the branches, cawing loudly. The woods were tangled, smothered in smoke and distorted shadows…
A Word From the Author
First and foremost I thank you for taking the time to invest in this story. My fans and readers are greatly appreciated. As an independent author it is humbling to know that my words and stories find an audience that enjoy them.
The best way that independent authors get their work noticed is through the word of mouth of fans and readers like yourself. So if you get a chance, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or on your Facebook or Twitter. If you can’t leave a review, a quick rating or shout out is also appreciated.
I’m always interested in hearing from my readers as well. So don’t hesitate to leave a thought on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bardofdarkness or my personal website: http://www.knightvisionltd.com
Thanks again. I hope you will continue to enjoy my work as much as I enjoy writing it.
Non omnis moriar,
Bard Constantine
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bard Constantine is a novelist, poet, and screenwriter who currently resides in Birmingham, Al. Updates on his work can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, and his personal website, knightvisionltd.com.