Page 46 of Brutal Savage

Only a couple miles remain until I’m safe.

Though that’s a foolish thought.

Because whoever is behind that wheel must know where I live.

Maybe I should surrender. If I do, there’s a chance they’ll spare my grandparents’ lives. I can’t let them die.

I fight the tears filling my eyes. Staying strong and making it out of this is all I have left right now. There’s no other choice. I have to make it home. I have to pack my bags and disappear.

Glancing behind me, I don’t see or hear a sound.

Just keep running.

Almost there.

My heart is ready to rip right out of my chest.

Mindlessly, I hurry like hell until I make it back home, rushing to get my keys out and opening the door as quickly as possible.

“Oh, God…” I cry, the adrenaline leaving me, fear remaining.

My back hits the door, and I slither down to the floor, breathing heavy as I shut my eyes.

I need to figure out a plan. Maybe I can somehow find out who was chasing me before I do something rash like leave my grandparents behind.

But how? There were no cameras there, I don’t think, and even if there were, how would I have access to the footage?

In that moment, Tynan comes to mind. He has connections. Maybe I could tell him what happened and he’d help me find the driver.

Brushing the back of my hand over my sweaty forehead, I start to rise, needing to clean my wound.

I grimace as I stare down at the blood already soaking the material.

My phone rings, and my pulse jumps in my temples.

Instant panic sets in when I retrieve it to find the nursing home calling. What if Jerry did something to him?

“H-h-hello?”

“Ms. Hill? Hi, it’s Ms. Davis calling from Sunset Homes.”

“Yes, i-is everything okay with my grandfather?” My breathing has yet to stabilize. I’m barely able to get the words out.

“Oh, yes, yes, of course. I was just calling about the outstanding bill we have on his account. I know you had asked for another week to pay the remaining six thousand for this month, but I’m afraid we still have not gotten a payment.”

Shit. I don’t have enough.

Pinching my eyes closed, I clear my throat. “Uh, right, yes. I’m so sorry about that. Is there any way you can give me another week? Please? I can pay two thousand today. I just need a little time.”

She sighs. “Ms. Hill, have you thought about sending him to Care Park? It’s a few thousand less a month and they have space for him.”

No way. That place is awful. I personally toured it and read the terrible reviews. I’d never send him to that dump. I’ll have to get another job.

Tynan offered you one…

My stomach clenches.

“Ms. Davis, I swear, I will have the money for you in a week. You won’t have a problem again.”

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