Chapter 17 The Chase Begins Again
They climbed into the beaten-up Ford pickup truck, the engine roaring to life with a loud, metallic cough. Mark shifted into gear, navigating the bumpy logging trail with expert precision.
The morning mist clung tightly to the pine trees, creating an ethereal, cinematic landscape around them. Chloe sat in the passenger seat, keeping her baby securely strapped against her chest in a carrier sling.
Sarah rode in the middle, keeping a constant eye on the side mirrors for any sign of pursuit. The white envelope was tucked safely inside the glove compartment, shielded from view.
After forty minutes of navigating twisting mountain roads, they finally hit the paved asphalt of Route 9. Traffic was surprisingly light, allowing Mark to maintain a steady, inconspicuous speed.
"We have two hours until we reach the Annapolis safe house," Mark announced, checking the fuel gauge on the dashboard. "Keep your heads down if we pass any patrol cars."
Ten minutes later, a local sheriff's cruiser appeared on the opposite side of the highway, heading north. The cruiser's brake lights suddenly flashed as the officer spotted their truck model.
"He's turning around," Sarah gasped, watching the cruiser execute a sharp U-turn in her rearview mirror. "Mark, step on it!"
Mark slammed his foot down on the gas pedal, the old Ford engine roaring as it surged forward. The police cruiser activated its flashing overhead lights, closing the distance rapidly behind them.
"They spotted the license plate!" Sarah shouted, gripping the armrest tightly as the truck accelerated past eighty miles per hour.
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Chloe kept her breathing slow and controlled, refusing to let panic cloud her judgment. She wrapped her protective arms around her infant daughter, bracing for the inevitable impact.
The police siren wailed loudly, echoing off the rock formations lining the highway. The chase was officially on, and there was nowhere left to run.
