Page 44 of Gage

The window stuck for a split second before I jammed the hammer underneath and forced it open. Without thinking, I swung my legs through, shoving my body out.

My stomach lurched.

There’s no ledge.

My hands flew up, catching the roof's edge just in time. My feet dangled over open air.

Don’t let go, Laura.

I gritted my teeth, gripping the edge with everything I had. Slowly, I pulled myself up.

One knee on the roof.

One arm.

Then both arms.

I made it.

Scrambling onto the slanted surface, I ran for cover, ducking behind the chimney stack.

I pressed my back against the cold brick, my body shaking.

Now what?

What did people do before they had phones with them all the time?

Think, Laura. Think.

I glanced around, my mind racing.What would Dad do?

Thick smoke poured from the windows and doors, billowing into the night sky. The crack of breaking glass echoed throughthe air. The fire was getting worse.If the roof collapsed, I’d be trapped.

I wanted to scream for help, but the second I did, those men would kill anyone who came to save me.

Laura, you’re in a hell of a mess, but you can get yourself out. Just think.

I tried calling Lori,but it went straight to voicemail.

The second I hung up, my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Gage, this is Agent Frye. They let those bastards out. They said they couldn’t hold them any longer.”

I clenched my jaw. “What?”

“They claim there was no solid evidence against them. They walked free.”

My blood ran cold.I can’t believe they let those fuckers out.

“Does Lori know?” I demanded.

“I’ve been trying to call her, but she’s not answering. I’m on my way to her dad’s house now.”

“I’m five miles out,” I said. “I’ll keep trying her. See you there.”

I ended the call and immediately dialed Lori’s number again.

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