Something is happening. My husband hasn’t told me, but people are moving our things. I must act quickly or else my chances of escape will disappear.
—The diary of Megan Jean
The driveway was so long, Mia didn’t think they would ever reach the street. She was trying to help Riley run while Alex was flying down the driveway with Rod in his bed. Grant was right on their tail. Mia could feel him. They never stopped moving. Alex and Rod were too far ahead to be in danger and Mia was grateful.
“Drop me,” Riley said. “I’m too much weight.”
“Where did he get you?” Mia asked.
“My calf,” Riley said. “Save yourself.”
“Stop being so dramatic,” Mia said. “We’re almost there.”
She knew that was a lie. Grant’s driveway was too long. Mia tried to move toward the side, hoping the darkness would protect them. Riley kept throwing her good leg farther ahead, but she was getting heavier. Frank came into view. He was running up to them. He stopped and grabbed Riley, flipping her over his shoulder. Mia took the time to look behind her. Grant wasn’t chasing them. She didn’t think that was a good sign.
“Hurry,” Frank yelled.
Mia started running, trying to stay behind Frank and Riley. She kept looking behind her; nothing was coming. Then the van was close enough to touch and Mia felt relief. Maybe Grant had passed out from his injuries, or maybe he had just given up. But Mia knew that rang false. He had another plan. She worried the grounds were lined with bombs.
They made it to the van. Alex was getting Rod into the back. Frank dropped Riley on the bumper and Mia tried to help her inside. Riley scooted herself back and Mia took a moment to pause. She remembered the feeling of the gun at the back of her head and a tremor went through her body. Then there were arms around her. Mia looked up to see her mother embracing her.
“You did it,” she said. “I am so proud of—”
Her mother suddenly went limp. Instead of Laura holding on to Mia, Mia found herself gripping her mother. Mia let out a scream. She could feel her clothing getting wet with her mother’s blood.