Page 197 of No Need to Run

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My heart starts pounding halfway there.

What am I doing?

This is insane.

“No wait,” I say suddenly. “Right here.”

He glances at me in the mirror. “This is a block away.”

“Perfect.”

The driver slams the brakes. He eyes me in the rearview mirror as I climb out.

I take a breath, watching him speed away.

Okay.I can do this.

It’s still light out.

Excellent planning, Drew.

I walk down the street like a casual guy out for a stroll. Although I probably look more like a drunk guy weaving across the sidewalk. But whatever.

I’m sweating profusely by the time I reach her house.

Hiding behind a tree, I peek around it.

It’s quiet.

Good.

I tug my polo collar up like every terrible spy movie I've ever seen.

Smooth.

I step off the sidewalk into the yard and immediately step on something.

WHACK.

The handle smacks me in the head.

“What the—why is there a rake?—”

I grab it, tossing it aside like it personally offended me.

I gasp, rubbing the spot on my forehead. “Are you kidding me?”

I look around, checking to make sure no one—especially Violet—hasn’t come outside to investigate.

Nothing.

The coast is clear.

“Okay. This is fine. Minor setback.”

I move forward, sticking to the shadows of the trees.

A branch catches on my shirt.

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