Page 26 of Cup of Lies

Really, really sucks.

As the water soaks me to the bone, I long for the dry, cozy bed at home.

Not your home. Not your bed.

My bare feet smack the puddled pavement as I run. It’s not easy with a pregnant belly and terror eating me alive, but I manage to keep going. When I round the side of the building, I put my eyes on the prize.

The main road.

I just have to make it there so I can flag down a vehicle.

Please let someone see me and pick me up.

Lightning flashes close by and then a loud clap of thunder makes me squeak out in surprise. My baby jumps in my stomach, also startled by the loud sound. I clutch my stomach, whispering assurances as I continue my trek.

Small pebbles sting the bottoms of my feet, but I don’t let them deter me. I’m committed now. No turning back. I’ll come back with the police to get Kaitlyn.

I want them all arrested for their horrific crimes.

I’m halfway down the road when I hear it. It starts off as a soft wail and then it turns deafening. For a moment, I wonder if it’s a tornado siren. I quickly realize it’s an escapee alarm.

They know I’m missing.

I thought I’d have more time!

Tears flood my eyes, mixing with the rainwater sluicing over my face. My lungs burn and my legs ache from exertion. I’m dizzy and stressed to the max.

Escape. Escape. Escape.

The main road gets closer and closer. But behind me, I hear shouting. Someone is calling for me.

Run faster, Romy!

A sob escapes me but another clap of thunder drowns it out. The concrete beneath my feet is slick and I nearly slip again. I’m terrified at the thought of falling. I could hurt the baby.

Should I just give up?

It would be easy. They would fix me. Things would go blank. Everything would be dry and warm.

No!

So close to the main road.

It’s anticlimactic when I reach the main road because there aren’t any cars to flag down. I’m unsure if I need to go right or left and end up choosing left because there are trees I could hide in if necessary.

And then I see it.

A black vehicle coming around the curve toward me.

I have to get them to stop.

Stupidly, I stand in the middle of the road, waving my hands wildly. The gown is glued to my body, crudely leaving nothing to the imagination underneath. I’m exposed and vulnerable. I could jump from one trap right into another.

The vehicle sees me too late and slams on their brakes. Because of the water on the road, the SUV hydroplanes, headingstraight for me. All I can do is turn my back to the vehicle and clutch my belly, hoping like hell I can protect my baby.

Screeching behind me seems to go on for an eternity.

And then pain.

---