Page 73 of Coast

I crouch-walked away from the sound of the voices, hoping they were coming from the other end of the aisle.

My shoulder brushed a snack-sized chip bag, making it slide in slow motion toward the floor.

There was no time to look to see if they saw me or not.

I lifted up slightly, walking ducked instead of crouched, in case I needed to quickly break into a run.

I was choking on my heart as I moved around the end cap.

One quick glance said there was no one on the next aisle, so I moved down it a few feet, praying I couldn’t be seen as the men moved down the aisle I’d just moved away from, heading right for the bathrooms.

My breath was coming in frantic huffs.

I glanced up.

Right into the eyes of the man behind the counter. Who had to have been watching me as I passed him.

His head turned toward the bathrooms, then to me.

He jerked his head quickly toward the door.

I didn’t stop to think.

Or even thank him.

I just stood and ran like hell.

Theding-dongwas unavoidable as I flew out the door.

All I could do was pray they didn’t hear, that they were still in the bathroom, that they couldn’t see me bolting down the sidewalk in the dark.

But as Lainey let out a cry, that hope was dashed.

“There!” a man yelled.

Damnit.

I swallowed down the whimper growing in my throat.

I’d outrun them once before.

I could do it again.

Ihadto do it again.

At least this time I was running toward my car.

My keychain was still looped around my finger, and I reached for it with my fingertips as I clutched Lainey to my chest.

It wasn’t that far.

I’d turned the corner toward the side street.

Another half a block, that was it.

Though I swore I could hear them gaining on me, practically breathing down my neck.

My legs burned, and Lainey suddenly felt like she weighed fifty pounds as I forced my body to go faster, to put more space between us.

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