"Don't talk like that, Barlow. You will be okay. Help will arrive soon."

Barlow answered between labored huffs of breath, "I haven't finished my mission yet. Keep my identity a secret. My superior will send someone to take over my work."

Rosalynn sobbed, “Okay. I swear I won't say anything.”

Barlow coughed another mouthful of blood, his nostrils flooding with the taste of iron.

"Don't tell Brian. I want to see him mad with jealousy. He acted hastily and hit me without understanding the situation, and that annoying mother of his almost hurt Karina. I have to get even somehow."