Page 207 of The Dark Stranger

---

Her voice is hoarse.

Shaking.

"A friend of Becca's," I say.

Her expression shifts.

Hope.

Fear.

Relief.

All at once.

"Is she—"

"She's safe," I say.

"I promise."

Inez's knees buckle.

Carter catches her.

"We need to move," Jace says.

His voice is tight.

Urgent.

"We've got more heat signatures coming from the back."

I nod.

"Get them to the vehicles," I say.

"Now."

Carter and Mills start moving the girls toward the exit.

Inez is limping.

One of the other girls can barely walk.

But they're moving.

That's what matters.

Jace and I stay behind.

Covering their exit.

Footsteps.

Heavy.

Fast.

---