Nick hoisted Lou up as quickly as he could, but in his rush, his arm bumped hard against a support beam. The impact sent a jolt of pain up his arm, but he brushed it off, ignoring Lou's loud, frightened wailing. Her cries filled the air, almost lost in the roar of the fire, but he stayed focused, scanning the room for a way out.
His eyes landed on a small wooden chair, and without a second thought, he snatched it up, heaving it with all his strength at the nearest window. The glass shattered in a shower of sparkling shards, and cool night air rushed in, a brief reprieve from the oppressive heat.
"Hold on tight to me, kid," he said, his voice steady but urgent.