CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FOUR START OVER

　　DAVIS

　　"Don't shoot my husband." Dahila's mother's shrieks pierced the air as she pleaded with the police to save her husband.

　　"Please, please don't shoot him like you did the judge," she begged, tears streaming down her face.

　　I moved quickly to her side, taking her gently by the arm and leading her to safety. "Mom, Zee Lord is dangerous. Stay out of his way for now," I whispered, dabbing the tears from her cheeks.

　　"Can't you see? He's holding my husband hostage!" she cried. "He's going to kill him!" Dahila's mother trembled with fear.

　　I took her hands, squeezing them reassuringly. "I promise you, he won't harm him," I said in hushed tones. "There are plenty of cops here, and more are outside. He's only buying time for himself by holding your husband hostage."

　　I placed my hands on her face, the warmth of my palms offering comfort. "Don't panic. I won't let anything happen to him. I promise."

　　"Put the gun down!" a cop ordered, trying to defuse the situation.