Page 2 of Heirs of Havoc

“Bye, Nani.” Her hearty laugh is the last thing I hear before pushing the phone into my pocket. Fixing my black sports bra, a deep inhale gives me a breath of Clementine's air. Clean. Crisp.

Free.

Knowing that Mom graced these roads makes it that much better but I can’t figure out why she’d leave this refuge for a life of danger. For a life with the most ruthless man in the province.

Turning for the road, I’m off again, the patter of my feet in my ears. The crooning of Sinatra keeps that smile on my face but … wait.

I didn’t press play.

My pace slows as the music draws closer, a revving engine coming with it.

Clementine’s quiet with no one usually out at night. Not blaring music anyway. Especially not Sinatra.

Headlights appear at the end of the small bridge, shining on my sweaty brown curves. Cars usually wait until it's clear to pass, but this car? This car isn’t slowing down.

It’s as classic as the song coming out of its speakers, but squinting past the beams doesn't reveal the driver. White stripes against shiny blue paint make it look fit for racing. The driver is too because they’re not slowing down.

“You kidding me?” I mutter, waving my arms for it to stop.

It doesn't.

It speeds up.

My eyes widen as it moves closer to the middle of the bridge, the silver side mirrors catching the light of the moon.

Run!

My heart pumps as fast as my feet, my curls tumbling from its bun. When I glance behind me, headlights blind my vision as the old muscle car whips over the bridge. My chest tightens, my lungs gasping for air.

I’m a hell of a runner, but I don't know if I’ll outrun this.

The heat of the car comes from behind me, the engine loud. Sinatra’s words have never sounded so menacing.

Whoever this is, is drunk, reckless or …

They’re going to kill me.

Knowing my family, the latter isn't crazy.

With another glance, the car speeds so fast there's only time to do one thing. My father gave me trust issues, anxiety and perfectionism, but he also taught me how to protect myself.

Dropping to the concrete, my knees scratch against the pavement, a sting burning my skin. My chest pressed to the road. The smell of diesel fills my nose as the wheels of the car appear on either side of my head.

Darkness overtakes me.

There’s no pain, no suffering. No bright light. No pearly gates. And just when I've accepted death, the darkness disappears.

The wind pushes my hair over my face, curls crowding my view. Lifting my head gives me a glimpse of the plates, but it tells me nothing. They’re blacked out, red tail lights shining as the car skids to a stop.

Did this maniac finally see me?

The song ends as the taillights turn white. Right before the car reverses. Fast.

My sneakers stumble over the pavement when I rise to my feet, but that won't stop me. Running a straight line is a deadly game against a fast car, so I make a sharp turn down a small dirt road. I’m not sure where I’m going. Clementine looks different at night, but the path is too small for a car to get through with trees lining either side.

Bright lights behind me prove me wrong, lighting the darkened path ahead.

Crack!

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