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“CALLIE!”

“NO!”

I have no idea why I answer.

Apparently kidnapping hasn't improved my communication skills.

I push through brush. Branches claw at my arms. My wet shoes slip over leaves. I shiver from the cold.

I don't know where the creek is anymore. Or the road.

I don't know where anything is.

Then I hear something.

An engine.

It’s distant.

My ears strain.

It’s quiet.

Was that real? Or is my brain finally giving up?

“Callie!”

Mercer’s voice is definitely real.

Fuck.

I move again.

The woods thin slightly ahead.

I head toward the light.

Maybe it’s the road. Maybe a clearing. Maybe a cliff.

At this point, surprise me.

I break through the trees.

A narrow dirt track cuts through the woods.

I almost sob at the sight of it.

Which direction?

I look left, then right.

Then, I hear it. Faint voices in the distance.

My heart leaps. “Hey!”

Silence.

My throat burns. “HEY!”