The space grew quiet. The time ticked down. To Zones, the numbers sounded like a noon day train as they tumbled backward to zero. Ten…nine…eight, his gaze cut to Detective Rome. Her eyes were squeezed tight. Her torso rose and fell, breathing heavy. Seven…six…five, tears leaked from beneath her eyelids. They streamed down the sides of her face. This was the first time he had seen her cry. The hand of death must have that effect on you. Four…three…two, Zones braced himself. He felt as he had when he had flown in airplanes—helpless. He didn’t like it then and he didn’t like it now. He grabbed hold of Detective Rome’s hand, squeezed it tight, bent down and kissed her. If this is the end, I am going to go the second best way I know how.