Chapter 21: Narrow Escapes

The car tore down the narrow road, the headlights piercing the darkness. Ava’s pulse was racing, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps. She gripped the seat tightly, her mind whirling with fear and determination. The sound of distant gunfire still echoed in her ears. She couldn't stop thinking about Lucas. Was he safe? Was he hurt? Sara focused her eyes on the road, her hands steady on the wheel. She drove like a woman possessed, expertly maneuvering the car around tight corners and narrow turns, pushing the vehicle to its limits. "We have to keep moving," she said, calm but urgent. Collins's men will be right behind us." Ryan glanced over his shoulder, watching for any signs of pursuit. "I think we lost them for now," he murmured, though his eyes were still scanning the darkness. "But we can't let our guard down. They'll be looking for us." Ava took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "How far to Jess’s location?" Sara checked the GPS on her phone. "About twenty minutes if w