Page 7 of Deadly Vows

We burst through the edge of the woods, the city skyline visible in the distance. My mind raced, thinking of places to hide and people to trust. But time was running out. I could hear the men behind us, their shouts growing louder.

We reached a road, and I saw a car approaching. Desperation fueled my actions as I waved my arms, screaming for help. The car screeched to a halt, and the driver, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, jumped out.

“Please,” I gasped, “we need help. They’re after us.”

The man took one look at the children and nodded. “Get in. Quickly.”

We piled into the car, my heart about to burst as the engine roared to life. As we sped away, I glanced back, seeing the men emerge from the woods, their faces twisted with anger. But we were safe, for now.

The woman next to the driver twisted in her seat to look us over. “Are you hurt?” she asked concerned.

“No, thankfully. We just need to get away from here.” I pulled Sasha and Maxim into my sides and silently prayed she would help us.

She thought about it momentarily before deciding not to ask any other questions. “We’ll take you somewhere safe.”

The couple introduced themselves as Carol and Richard, their voices soothing and filled with genuine concern.

“We’ll take you to a truck stop not too far from here,” Richard said. “Do you need the police?”

“No, I don’t want the police involved. I just need to call my sister.”

“You can call her from the truck stop. I’d give you my cell phone, but the battery is dead.” Richard shook his head, chiding himself for not bringing the phone charger.

“Thank you,” I replied, my heart finally starting to slow its frantic pace. The children huddled close to me, their bodies trembling with exhaustion and fear. I held them tight, whispering reassurances.

As we drove, the forest gave way to open fields, and the sky above us deepened into a rich, velvety blue. Stars began to appear, twinkling faintly against the dark sky. Carol turned to look at us again, her eyes kind. “You’re safe now,” she said softly. “We’ll make sure of it.”

I managed a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Carol. Thank you both so much.”

Maxim leaned forward, his curiosity momentarily overcoming his exhaustion. “Is the truck stop far from here?”

Richard glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes gentle. “Not too far, son. Just a few more minutes.”

The minutes felt like hours, but before long the truck stop appeared, its bright lights flickering in the distance. Richard parked the car, and we hurried inside. The warmth and bustle of the place were welcomed after the ordeal we just endured.

I approached the counter, my voice steady but urgent as I asked to use the phone. The cashier, a burly man with a kind face, handed it over without hesitation. My first instinct was to call Aleksandr until I realized I didn’t know his number. Takinga steady breath, I decided to call Sandy. My fingers trembled as I dialed the number, praying she would answer.

After a few rings, I heard her voice, weary and filled with worry.

“Talia? Is that you?”

“Yes,” I whispered, tears springing to my eyes. “It’s me. We’re safe. We’re at a truck stop but need Aleksandr to come get us.”

“Hold on,” she said as she spoke to someone in the room. “Dimitri is here with me, and he’ll get the message to Aleksandr,” she said, her voice firm and reassuring. “Stay there. Don’t move.”

After I gave her the name of the truck stop, I hung up, turning to see Carol and Richard waiting patiently near the front door. I managed a small smile, gratitude flooding through me.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.”

Richard nodded. “We’re just glad you’re safe. We’ll stay with you until your friend arrives.”

We settled into a booth, and the children huddled close to me. Carol brought over hot chocolate and sandwiches, the simple kindness filling me with more emotions than I cared to deal with. I hadn’t realized how hungry and cold we were until that moment.

Maxim took a bite of his sandwich, his round with delight. “This is really good,” he said, licking crumbs from his lips.

Carol laughed softly. “Eat up, sweetheart.”

Sasha sipped her hot chocolate, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. “Will Uncle Aleksandr be here soon?”

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