"Oh, Jeromy," she exclaimed, the life quickly fading from her. "What
happened?"
"Don't worry, baby, everything's going to be alright." He had winced when
he heard that cliche in a hundred movies, books, and songs, but for now it seemed
like the only thing to say. He leaned down, kissed her forehead, and held her
tightly. Hearing the sound of an approaching car, he looked up and was blinded
by the headlight of the Mercedes, which was inching hesitatingly along toward
him. When it was about ten feet away it stopped, and the door opened. A tall,
bearded, well-dressed man staggered slowly over to Jeromy. He was obviously
intoxicated. "Ithssshe okay?" he inquired.
"I don't know . . . but call an ambulance, and HURRY!" Jeromy half-
shouted as the man disappeared into the darkness, then reappeared against the dim
light of the porch as he was let into a house.