Chapter 1 - Ivy
“Right!”
“No, left!”
Great. Another argument. Not the best time or place. We freeze as footsteps pound closer.
“If we go right, we can blend in with the crowd. Fewer chances of getting caught. Anyone who would be chasing us will expect us behind a dumpster,” I whisper.
The footsteps quicken. A sharp click echoes through the alley. My mind races—pen, briefcase, flip phone—anything but what I don’t want to admit. I don’t say it. I can’t.
But Adrian does.
“A gun,” he breathes, panic laced in his voice.
The word crashes over me. My chest tightens. A flood of fear drowns every thought. I send silent apologies to everyone I love... and one real apology to someone I don’t want to lose.
“Hey, Adrian, look, I’m rea—” I start, but he yanks me to the right.
“Act normal. Blend in,” he says, calmer than he should be.
So, I do.
