She was vaguely aware of Silver dialing, talking on the phone. Then she couldn't hear anything but Trask.

Firestorm. Biting, tearing, devouring. The child was doing well. He hoped Kerry had reached the fire and could feel the power. Someday they would have to stand together and watch—

He was gone.

And the darkness and pain vanished with him.

“Out of range?”

She realized Silver's gaze was fastened on her face. “I guess. He's not there anymore.”

“You stayed with him a long time.”

“Did I?” She hadn't been aware of the passage of time. “Did you reach Ledbruk?”

“Yes. They've put an all-points bulletin out on a gray van. Can you remember any of the streets he passed?”

She shook her head. “Not when he was thinking about Carmela. It was too— Oh, my God.” They had turned the corner and she saw the warehouse. “He's right,” she whispered. “A pillar of flame.” She could feel her stomach knot. How could anyone survive in that fire?

Stop being a defeatist. She'd fought enough fires to know that many times people miraculously survived in conditions that seemed impossible.

Carmela needed a miracle.

“She's not dead yet,” Silver said as he parked a short distance behind the fire truck. “Scared shitless, but not dead.”

Her gaze flew to his face. “You're sure?”

“I couldn't help but be sure. Her mind's screaming bloody murder. I couldn't close her out if I wanted to.”

In Kerry's desperation she'd forgotten for the moment that Trask's ability to block Silver's intrusion was the rare exception. Of course he'd be able to reach Carmela. “She's all right?”

“Her back is burned. She couldn't get the door to the roof open. She thought it was locked, but it was only stuck. But it took her long enough that the fire reached her. She had to roll on the cement once she broke out onto the roof.”

Her gaze searched the top of the building. The entire warehouse was engulfed, and she could barely see the low brick parapet surrounding the roof for the billowing clouds of smoke. “She's up there? Why doesn't she come to the edge and try to call out?”

“She's scared and almost in shock. She's curled up in the corner behind an air-conditioning unit.” He paused. “But she doesn't have much time. She's thinking the roof is hot beneath her legs. She doesn't realize it's going to cave.”

“Then tell her.”

“It's not that easy. I'm dealing with hysteria, and I'm not familiar with her mind.”

“You said you liked to fix things. Well, fix her, dammit. Save her. Make her do what you want her to do.”

“Then tell me how those firemen can get her down.”

She tried to think. “No helicopter. Too dangerous with those flames practically engulfing the roof. No ladder. She'll have to jump.”

“Where?”

“Not much choice. South side of the building would allow them more room to set up. If the wall keeps standing.”

“And if I can talk her into jumping. The parapet has to be scorching hot, and there are flames licking at it. She'll know there's a good chance she'll be burned.”

“Are you saying you won't try?”

“No.” He got out of the car. “I'm saying that you'd better get your ass in gear and try to talk those firemen into setting up for a jump. If I do get her off that roof, I want someone ready to catch her.” He leaned against the SUV, his gaze on the roof. “Move.”

12

Hurt.

Carmela whimpered as she drew closer to the air conditioner. The metal was turning hot. The whole world was turning hot.

It's not hot down in the street.

Can't get there. Stairs are gone.

Jump. They're waiting for you.

No, someone will come. I heard the sirens.

Not in time. The roof is going to go any minute. You know it. You can feel the heat.

She looked at the flames licking over the parapet surrounding the roof.

They'll come.

A sudden pain shot through her scorched back.

Hurt!

It will get worse. Unless you get off the roof.

No.

She cried out as another ripple of pain jolted through her.

Yes. You need help. Move toward the south wall.

I can't do— She screamed. Hurts!

Then crawl toward that parapet. They'll take care of you when you reach the street.

Hurts too much.

The pain will stop when you jump.

It will kill me.

Staying here will kill you.

Afraid. Always been afraid of heights.

Not anymore. I promise when you jump you won't be afraid.

Can't do it . . .

Then you'll hurt.

Pain. Pain. Pain.

There's no one in that building,” Commander Jureski said impatiently. “I checked with the owner. The warehouse is vacant.”

“That doesn't mean there couldn't be trespassers,” Kerry said. “You know that as well as I do. There is a trespasser. A young girl. She's on the roof.”

“You saw her?”

She jerked her head toward Silver leaning against the SUV. “No, but my friend did.”

The commander glanced at Silver. “He seems really concerned,” he said sarcastically. “He looks like he's working out an algebra problem.”

“He saw her,” she repeated. “She was at the south wall, but she's afraid to jump. You make it safe for her.”

“It won't be safe no matter what we do.” He frowned, his gaze on the roof. “Christ, there's no way she can jump without going through those flames. I've never seen a fire like this.”

“It's her only chance,” Kerry said desperately. “Just get ready for her. Please, Commander.”

He hesitated. “You're sure she's up there?”

“I'm sure.”

“Shit.” He turned and strode toward the truck as he reached for his phone. “We'll get ready and we'll focus the hoses on that area. I hope to hell you're right about her wanting to jump. That roof's going to go any minute.”

“She'll jump.” Kerry prayed she was telling the truth. She'd done all she could. She turned and went back to the SUV, but she wasn't about to talk to Silver. His expression was intent, abstracted, and there was no way she wanted to disturb him. She stood on the other side of the SUV, staring up at the roof.

Oh, God, get her down, Silver.

Get closer to the wall.

It's too hot. Carmela shuddered as she saw the flames leaping up to melt the tar on the parapet. I'll catch fire. I should wait for them to come.

You can't wait. You have to jump now.

A sudden spray of water leapt over the wall.

See, they know you're here. They're trying to help you to jump. Now, get under that spray and get wet. You'll be less likely to catch fire when you jump.

Carmela edged closer until she was under the spray. She cried out and recoiled as the water sprayed her burned back. Hurts.

It will hurt more if you don't jump. I promise you. Now, move. Take a deep breath, run, and dive over the wall. Don't think. Just do it.

She didn't move.

Do it!

Kerry held her breath, her eyes on the roof.

Come on, Carmela.

Christ, how terrifying the idea of jumping must be to that scared girl on the roof. There was so much smoke, she doubted if Carmela could even see the ground. She'd have to dive through smoke and fire, not knowing what lay beneath her. Could Silver make her do it?

There was a rumble as the north side of the warehouse began to crumble.

Oh, God, jump, Carmela.

Jump! Now!

No.

No more time. You're going over.

The hell I am.

The hell you aren't.

And Carmela found herself running toward the south wall. God, what was she doing? This was crazy. She had to stop. But she couldn't stop.