Rachel reached for the cruiser’s external PA system:
"Clear the lane! Move right! Emergency vehicle approaching! Clear the intersection!"
Vehicles ahead parted frantically, tires splashing onto the curbs as the cruiser blazed a continuous corridor through the congested boulevard. Directly in the squad car's wake, the motorcycle stayed pinned to the cruiser's rear bumper, the father’s leather-clad arms steady despite the buffeting crosswinds and torrential rain.
Behind them, two additional traffic units joined the convoy, blocking cross-traffic at major red lights to guarantee an uninterrupted path through every intersection.
Through the rear glass of the cruiser, Rachel kept her eyes locked on the little girl. The child's eyelids fluttered weakly, struggling for breath against the condensation forming on the inside of the mask. The father periodically glanced back, one hand briefly reaching to reassure her, his knuckles white against the throttle.
Chapter IV: Arrival at Mercy General
The final left turn brought the convoy sliding into the brightly lit ambulance bay of Mercy General Hospital.
Nolan swung the cruiser sideways to clear the entry path. The motorcycle came to an abrupt, controlled halt on the concrete apron under the emergency shelter.