Chapter 6 – The Sound That Changed Everything
For the rest of his life, Harrison Cole would remember only one sound.
Not the screaming.
Not the sirens.
Not the frantic voices calling for paramedics.
It was the sickening crack of Khloe's body striking the marble that replayed in his mind.
He sprinted across the courthouse plaza, shoving through the stunned crowd.
"Move!"
People stepped aside instantly.
Khloe lay twisted at the foot of the staircase, blood spreading beneath her navy maternity dress.
Her breathing was shallow.
Her eyes fluttered.
"Harry..."
He dropped to his knees, ignoring the sharp pain as his palms scraped across the stone.
"I'm here."
His hands shook for the first time in decades.
"Stay with me."
Khloe tried to lift one trembling hand toward her stomach.
"The baby..."
Her voice was barely audible.
"Please..."
Harrison pressed both hands gently against the wound.
"An ambulance is coming."
"Promise me..."
Tears rolled silently down her face.
"Save my little girl."
"I promise."
Her fingers slipped from his sleeve.
Then her eyes closed.
"No."
Harrison leaned closer.
"No, Khloe."
A paramedic rushed forward.
"We need room."
Harrison refused to move.
"I'm her brother."
"We need to stabilize her."
The medical team cut through her dress, revealing the extent of the bleeding.
One medic looked up.
"We're losing both patients."
The words hit Harrison like a physical blow.
"Not today."
He stood, his voice suddenly calm again.
"The best trauma surgeon in Montgomery County."
"Already notified."
"No."
He pulled out his phone.
"I want Dr. Amelia Grant."
"She's forty minutes away."
"Then clear the helicopter."
The paramedic stared.
"Sir, who are you?"
"Harrison Cole."
Recognition flashed across the man's face.
Within seconds, calls were being rerouted.
Protocols changed.
A medical helicopter was requested.
Across the staircase, Richard finally reached the bottom.
He looked pale.
Confused.
Almost frightened.
"My God..."
He knelt beside Khloe.
"Honey..."
Harrison slowly stood between them.
"You don't touch her."
Richard blinked.
"Harrison—"
"You don't."
There was no shouting.
No threats.
May you like
Only ice.
For the first time since they had met, Richard Harrington felt genuinely afraid of another man.
