Page 67 of The Broken Keys

“Start with ten, Livianna. Just ten.”

“Ten.” Her voice is barely a whisper.

I jam my foot on the pedal. “Good. Now nine.”

“Nine.”

The tires squeal as I speed down the street. The car has no lag, just pure acceleration.

“Eight, Lily. Give me eight.”

Silence, then a choked sound that makes my blood freeze.

“Livianna! Stay with me!”

“Eight.” The word comes out broken. “I can’t...see straight.”

“You’re okay. I promise you’re gonna be fine.” I come to a stop sign and check for traffic. Empty. I floor it and blow right through. “What’s the gate code? I need to get in.”

It takes her a few moments to rattle off four numbers. I repeat them back, committing them to memory as I weave through traffic. The electric car is faster than I expect, silent and deadly quick.

“Seven, Lily. Count with me. Seven.”

Nothing.

“Livianna!” My hands grip the steering wheel as my heart pounds wildly in my chest. “Baby, please. Seven.”

A sob tears through the line. “Seven.”

“That’s it. That’s my girl.” I run a red light, praying no cops are nearby. One more mile. “Six. Give me six.”

Her breathing is getting worse. It’s too fast and shallow. She’s hyperventilating.

“Lily, can you get to your anxiety medication?”

“No… I don’t take it…anymore.”

Why the fuck wouldn’t she keep that on hand?

“Lily, listen to me. Put your head between your knees. Right now.”

There’s a scuff that comes through the line, then a crash like something falling. My heart stops.

“Livianna!”

Static. Then her voice, distant and fading. “I’m...trying.”

“One more mile, love. I’m almost there.” The sceneryblurs past. I’m close. “Stay on the phone with me. Don’t hang up.”

No response.

“Lily!”

The line grows eerily quiet except for little gasps. She’s still there. She has to be there.

I screech around the corner, spotting the gate guard. I check in with the security guy, and he lets me into her direct neighborhood.

“Livianna, I’m almost there.” I turn onto her street and speed up to her gate.