CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO: UNEXPECTED REVELATIONS

For a tense moment, it seemed like the situation might escalate. Then, with a grunt, the biker stepped aside. "Sure, go on. Enjoy your trip." They quickly got into the SUV and pulled out of the parking lot. As they merged back onto the highway, Claire let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "That was intense," she said. "Do you think we're in the clear?" Robert turned in his seat, looking out the rear window. His face paled. "I don't think so. Look." In the distance, they could see a group of motorcycles gaining on them rapidly. Mason's knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel. "Hold on tight. This might get rough." He pressed down on the accelerator, and the SUV surged forward. The bikers, however, were not deterred. They spread out, trying to flank the vehicle. "Mason, what are we going to do?" Claire's voice was tinged with panic. "Just stay calm," Mason replied, his eyes darting between the road ahead and the rearview mirror. "Robert, any ideas?"