Long Parting, No Sorrow Left Chapter 2

The pain was gone.

My soul felt weightless, drifting upwards. Then, as if pulled by an invisible string, I found myself floating beside Cassidy.

She was at the hospital, sitting by Flynn’s bedside.

After a while, he began to stir, waking with a startled gasp. He scrambled into her arms, whimpering like a frightened child. “No, please, don’t hit me anymore… I’ll be good…”

Cassidy soothed him, her voice soft and gentle, until he finally calmed down.

On the television in the room, a news channel was replaying the events from the rooftop. The public response was overwhelming.

Comments flooded the screen:

“I can’t believe Officer Holt was so professional! She didn’t give her own family special treatment!”

“I heard they just got married and have a daughter. To risk her own family to save a civilian… she’s a true hero!”

Watching the screen, Cassidy finally seemed to remember me.

She stood up and poured Flynn a glass of water. “Flynn, I’m so glad you’re awake. I’m going to head back to the scene, see if I can find any more clues to get Cole back. You take care of yourself while I’m gone. Call me if you need anything.”

She turned to leave, but Flynn immediately broke into a violent coughing fit.

“Flynn? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” she asked, rushing back to his side.

He looked up at her, his face pale and weak. “Cass, I’m sorry. I’m holding you back from your work. But my head… it’s killing me. The doctor said it’s a side effect of the trauma. I can’t be alone right now…” He looked at her with pleading eyes. “Can’t you… can’t you assign Cole’s case to one of your colleagues?”

Cassidy hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

I watched it all, a detached calm settling over me.

It didn’t matter.

I was already dead. I didn’t need justice.