CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY TWO - The Trap is Sprung

Heart pounding, Nia pushed herself harder. She vaulted over a low wall, landing awkwardly on the other side. The impact sent a fresh wave of agony through her shoulder, nearly bringing her to her knees. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself back to her feet. She couldn't stop now. Stopping meant capture, or worse. The alley opened up onto a busier street. Cars whizzed by, their headlights momentarily blinding after the darkness of the back alleys. Nia hesitated for a split second, then made a snap decision. She darted into the street, ignoring the blare of horns and screeching tires. A cab swerved to avoid her, missing her by inches. The driver leaned out his window, shouting curses, but Nia was already past him, weaving between the stopped vehicles. She reached the opposite sidewalk and chanced another look back. Vanessa and her accomplices were held up by the traffic, unable to cross. Not wasting the opportunity, Nia plunged into another alley. This one was wider, lined with t