IMOGEN'S POV
The sirens came first. Then the heavy boots on the stairs. Then voices shouting orders I couldn't understand through the ringing in my ears.
I was still on my knees when they found me. Still reaching up toward her. Still screaming her name even though my throat felt raw and torn.
"Ma'am, step back please." Strong hands gripped my shoulders, pulling me away. "Ma'am, we need you to move back."
"Don't touch her!" I fought against them, my voice breaking. "Don't you dare touch her! She's scared of strangers, she doesn't like strangers touching her!"
"Ma'am, calm down. We're here to help."
Help. The word was meaningless now. Help was twenty minutes too late. Help was hours too late. Help was whatever had happened before I got here.
They moved me to the couch while more people filled the apartment. Police officers. Paramedics. Someone with a camera taking pictures of everything. The flashes made me flinch every time.
