"Hardy always shielded Taylor beneath him. Outside, the sound of exploding bullets continued, but Taylor found herself not as scared as she had expected.
Nestled in Mr. Hardy's embrace, she felt an unprecedented sense of security, as if hiding in his arms meant there was nothing to worry about.
Taylor even stole a few glances outside.
The robbery ended, and the robbers finally left.
As they emerged from their hiding place, they saw the entire street in chaos. Several pedestrians lay dead, and others injured on the ground wailed in pain.
The bank fared even worse.
All the windows were shattered, and inside was a mess. Hardy glanced at the bank sign, "Bank of America, Los Angeles Branch, Merriman Street Branch."
