I started down the iron fire escape toward the courtyard.

As my feet hit the wet metal steps, a spotlight from the helicopter swung upward.

The bright white beam caught me in its center.

I did not stop.

I kept moving down.

The distance between me and my daughter was closing.

I could see Ryan looking up at me through the glare of the light.

His face twisted in anger.

He reached inside his heavy coat.

He pulled a black semi-automatic pistol from his belt.

He aimed it directly at my chest.

The rain slicked the handrail under my palm.

I dropped my weight, shifting my center of gravity to the side.

A loud crack split the sound of the rotor blades.

The bullet hit the iron stairs behind me, throwing a shower of bright yellow sparks.

I did not stop my descent.

I vaulted over the rail of the lower landing.

My boots hit the wet grass of the lawn with a heavy, dead thud.

I rolled to absorb the impact and came up on one knee.

The spotlight from the helicopter washed over me again, blinding my left eye.