Kendra was right behind her.
Hadley risked a glance over her shoulder.
The woman navigated through the trees with terrifying focus. The gun was still clutched in her hand, and her eyes locked on Hadley like a predator closing in.
There was no hesitation.
No doubt.
Just pursuit.
Hadley ran harder, her breath tearing from her lungs as the darkness swallowed her whole.
CHAPTER 44
The gunshot echoedin Max’s ears.
For a split second, everything froze.
Then Kenny staggered.
A cry tore from him as his arm jerked back. His gun hit the ground with a dull thud. He clutched his shoulder, his face twisting in pain as he dropped to one knee.
“I didn’t want to do that, Kenny,” Sheriff Sutherland muttered, already moving forward, his weapon still trained on the man. “You didn’t leave me any choice.”
Kenny sneered, and his gaze went to his gun on the ground.
“Stay down!” Sheriff Sutherland yelled. “You touch that gun, and I’ll shoot again.”
“Sheriff Sutherland . . .” Max started.
“Go,” the sheriff said. “Find her. I’ll be right behind you.”
Max hurried past the truck, past Kenny, past everything that wasn’t Hadley.
He sprinted down the road, his breath burning in his lungs and his focus locked ahead.
His aunt and uncle’s house came into view through the trees.
Please . . .
He didn’t let himself finish the thought.
Max hit the porch steps at a run and shoved the door open. “Hadley!”
No answer.
Then he heard movement.
He turned.
His aunt and uncle sat at the kitchen table, bound to their chairs.
Relief slammed into him so fast it almost knocked the air from his lungs.
“I’m here.” He crossed the room. “I’ve got you.”
“Max,” Aunt Billie breathed. “Oh, thank the Lord . . .”
