CHAPTER FORTY TWO – A LUCKY ESCAPE

They careened through the deserted streets, turning corners with reckless abandon, only slowing down when they were a good distance away from Ava's apartment building. Leaning against the dashboard, Scarlett fought for control over her ragged breathing. Clara, her face flushed with adrenaline, finally spoke. "That was… close," she managed, her voice a shaky whisper. "Too close," Scarlett agreed, her body trembling from the ordeal. They had escaped Ava and the suspicious building manager, but at what cost? Did Ava suspect them now? What would she do with that knowledge? Suddenly, Clara slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt on a deserted side street. She ripped the stolen journal out of her purse, her face etched with worry. "I couldn’t return it Scarlett. We have to look at this," she declared, her voice urgent. "We need to know what Ava is hiding, why she's after you." Scarlett hesitated, her mind torn. Looking at the journal felt like a betrayal, a further intrusio