Chapter 8
Adrian pressed his foot down.
The car surged forward.
But the road was narrow.
And they were gaining.
He looked at Noah.
“Hold on tight, baby. Keep your head down.”
Noah gripped the handle above the door and did exactly as he was told.
The first car pulled alongside.
A man leaned out the window, waving something.
A gun.
Adrian swerved.
The other car rammed their rear bumper.
The small sedan jerked violently.
Adrian fought to keep control.
Rain was pouring harder now.
Visibility was almost zero.
He saw a turnoff ahead.
A narrow, unmarked road leading up into the mountains.
He took it without slowing down.
The road was rough and unpaved.
The heavy cars behind him struggled to keep up.
Adrian’s lighter sedan bounced and swayed, but it moved faster.
He put distance between them.
But they did not give up.
Headlights still blazed behind him, climbing higher and higher.
Adrian did not know where this road led.
He only knew he had to keep going.
Until he found help.
Until he was safe.
The road ended abruptly at the edge of a deep, dark forest.
Adrian stopped.
He looked back.
The headlights were getting closer.
He had nowhere left to drive.
He turned to Noah.
“We have to walk. Can you run?”
Noah nodded bravely, though his lip trembled.
“Yes, Daddy.”
Adrian grabbed his son’s hand.
They jumped out of the car and ran into the trees.
Darkness swallowed them instantly.
Rain poured through the canopy above.
Twigs snapped.
Mud sucked at their shoes.
Adrian guided Noah, stepping carefully.
He could hear voices behind them.
Shouting.
They were coming.
Adrian pulled Noah behind a large fallen log.
He pressed his finger to his lips.
Noah nodded, eyes wide.
Adrian held his breath.
Footsteps approached.
Flashlight beams cut through the darkness.
Men were searching everywhere.
One beam stopped right in front of their log.
Adrian froze.
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He could see the man’s boots.
Just inches away.
