CHAPTER 15: THE ESCAPE
Six weeks later, I got the call.
Daniel had escaped.
I stared at the phone in disbelief.
"How?"
"He had help. Someone on the inside. We're still investigating."
"When did this happen?"
"Two hours ago. We're tracking him, but—"
"But what?"
"He might be heading toward you. He might be going after Emma."
My blood ran cold.
"We're moving you. Right now. Pack everything and get ready."
"What about Emma?"
"She's already being prepared. We're sending a team to pick you both up."
I hung up.
And I ran.
Emma was in her room.
I grabbed her.
"Mommy? What's happening?"
"We're leaving, baby. We have to go."
"Where?"
"I don't know. But we have to go now."
We ran to the front door.
Thomas was waiting.
"Get in the car. Now."
We climbed into the armored vehicle.
Thomas drove.
Fast.
"We're heading to the mountain facility," he said.
"The one in Colorado?"
"Closer. More secure. You'll be safe there."
"What about Daniel?"
"We'll find him. And when we do, he's going back to prison."
I held Emma close.
She was crying.
"Mommy, I'm scared."
"I know, baby. I know. But we're going to be okay. I promise."
The car sped through the night.
Headlights cutting through the darkness.
Every shadow looked like a threat.
Every sound felt like an attack.
But we kept going.
We didn't stop.
And when we finally reached the facility, I felt the panic begin to fade.
But the fear stayed.
It stayed deep in my chest.
And I knew it wouldn't go away until Daniel was caught.
May you like
Or until we were far away from him.
Forever.
