Santiago blinked rapidly, barely able to process what had just happened.
He looked down at the masked man now lying lifeless on the floor. Blood seeped from under his body.
Santiago slowly reached down and touched his own chest, abdomen, arms, searching for pain or blood. But he was unharmed.
It wasn't until he turned toward the door that he saw the two police officers.
"Freeze! Police!" one of them had yelled earlier. Their guns were still out, but now lowered.
The taller officer moved closer. "Are you alright?"
Santiago's legs wobbled as he nodded. "Yes... I'm fine. Just... shaken." His voice was hoarse, his breathing unsteady.
The second officer crouched beside the masked man, checking his pulse. "He's gone."
The taller officer, who looked like the one in charge, pulled out his phone and spoke into it, "Code four. Suspect is down. Requesting immediate ambulance and forensic support."
