“Philodendron,” she whispered, begging. “Please. I’ll do anything.”
“Too late,” he whispered back, his voice harsh. “Too damn late. You can’t save her or Henry now.”
“Phil! No!” she screamed. The screen went black.
Olivia fell to her knees, pressing her hands to her eyes. Sobs were racking her, shaking her chest, desperate to get out. Tears crept to the edges of her eyes, catching on her eyelashes. A high keening wail spiraled out from her throat, a sound of pure despair.
Got to … get going. Have to. I might make it in time if I go right now!
She grabbed her phone, struggling to her feet. Olivia slammed open the apartment door and charged through it, bolting for the stairs. There was no way she could wait for an elevator in her current state.
Olivia shoved everything out of her mind, the pounding of her feet and the rush of her breath becoming her only focus. She was crystal clear now, and she welcomed the clarity even as she almost buckled under the fear.
She would get there in time to save her mother. There was no other possibility.
I will!
I have to!