The middle–aged man staggered from the impact of Leo’s kick but stumbled forward toward Tara, the tip of his boning knife aimed directly at her.
Tara’s legs felt like jelly as she backed away in terror. She tripped over the steps behind her, falling backward with no way to stop herself.
The man toppled forward, knife poised to strike. If he hit her, she would be seriously injured, if not worse.
“Tara!” Leo shouted, his voice filled with panic, but he was too far away to reach her in time.
Just as the knife was about to make contact, a flowerpot fell from the upper level of Majestic Nightclub, smashing into the middle–aged man’s head.
The man froze mid–motion from the impact.
The security guards seized the opportunity to rush in, tackling and restraining him.
Tara, meanwhile, had fallen hard onto the steps. Pain radiated through her body, her tailbone numb from the impact, leaving her unable to move.
“Tara!” Leo ran to her side and scooped her into his arms. “Are you okay?”
Tears of pain rolled down her cheeks as she gasped, “It hurts.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take you to the hospital,” Leo said firmly.
As he started to carry her away, the restrained middle–aged man shouted, his voice hoarse and accusatory, “Tara! You can’t just leave! You promised me money! You said you’d make sure I wouldn’t get in trouble!”
Leo froze mid–step, his face darkening instantly.
A crowd had gathered by now, their phones raised, capturing every moment in photos and
videos.
Nina stared at the man in disbelief. “What did you just say?”
