[Nicole]
Laurel's hold on me tightened as the armed man stepped into the room, and so did Lennox's and Levi's. I shut my eyes in fear, and wondered what was stopping Rowan from pulling the trigger, or saying something at least. Then I heard it.
A scream suddenly sounded from behind me. It was unmistakably Laurel's voice but I was too scared to hear exactly what she had said. I was sure she was screaming in fear, and my own fear heightened. More than ever, I wished Rowan would do something or say something, anything.
Her hold on me loosened just then, and I felt her by my side, heading forward, towards the man who was approaching me with a slowness that was both dangerous and harmless at the same time.
I opened my eyes, and stretched out my hand to pull her back just as she screamed again.
"Daddy!" Laurel cried excitedly, and I turned sharply towards the man who had gotten to me, and was now hovering over me.
