The Gathering (Darkness Rising 1)

"We have to leave," the pilot said, "or that last chopper will never make it in for the rest of you."

Dad hugged me, tight and fierce. Then he helped me fasten my seat belt, kissed my cheek, and squeezed Daniel's shoulder.

As he backed out, Kenjii leaped in and laid down at my feet.

"Come on, girl," Dad said. "You're going with me."

When she didn't budge, the pilot reached in to grab her collar. She growled.

"Leave her," Mayor Tillson said. "She's a good dog. She'll behave."

The pilot looked ready to argue, but someone buzzed his radio, telling him he had to get going. He closed the door.

Mayor Tillson climbed into the front passenger seat and looked back. "Everyone buckled in?"

It was a big helicopter. Six passengers in the back, plus Kenjii at my feet and Rafe, stretched out on the floor, still unconscious. Daniel sat beside me, right behind the pilot. Sam and Nicole were adjusting their seat belts. Corey and Hayley were in the last set of seats. We'd run through the drill often enough, everyone being told who they'd evacuate with, no changes allowed. Except Rafe.

I looked over the seat at him. I thought of Annie. Had she managed to escape the fire? God, I hoped so. When he woke up, though, and found out I'd made him leave without her ...

I took a deep breath. I couldn't think about that now. I'd made the only choice I could. He'd forgive me or he wouldn't.

When I shivered, Daniel reached over and squeezed my hand, whispering, "It'll be okay."

I nodded. We had a lot of questions that still needed answers, but for now, the biggest danger--the fire and the people who set it--were behind us. We were safe, and there would be plenty of time for questions later.

The helicopter wobbled once, then lifted off.