The world broke apart in a split second. The guard's rifle let out a horrific roar, the flashes of light cutting through the dark, narrow hallway like blinding strobe lights.
The sound was so loud it felt physical, hitting my chest like a punch. Before I could even process what was happening, Nick lunged sideways. His heavy shoulder slammed hard into my ribs, knocking the wind out of me and throwing me flat against the cold concrete wall.
A sharp, wet gasp tore from Nick's throat. A bullet caught him high in the chest, right below the collarbone. The sheer force of the impact spun his big frame right around, his boots skidding on the slick floor, but he somehow stayed on his feet. Through the thick, biting smoke and the sudden, metallic smell of burning gunpowder, Nick raised his pistol with a shaking grip, locked his eyes on the target, and fired back.
