---
The car went silent. In fact, everything around Lucian dimmed to black. He panted, winding down the window beside him and taking deep, fresh breaths of air.
He felt a weak tug on his arm and realized he had scared her too much. His gaze softened, lowering his head, and their eyes locked.
"Turn the car, Collins."
"What do you mean by that?" Collins interjected quickly. Going back wasn't an option for him; it was better if Lucian thought of a way to get the old lady back to safety. "The flight is an hour away. If we return to the hospital as planned, we will miss the flight."
"My dog is more important than any flight. Take a detour back to Riverstone!" Lucian's tone was authoritative, pointing his index finger from his tightened fist right at Collins. "If anything happens to Wednesday, I will never forgive you."
Collins gulped, his anxiety multiplying as he swallowed his words, knowing better than to defy his boss's orders.
