Chapter 509

Everyone looked miserable-no one had expected Clara to be such a force.

They broke off into groups, flashlights slicing through the darkness as they hunted for her. But Clara had only run a few hundred meters before sneaking back to the pitch-black house. Now, with nobody around, she hid just behind the door, peering at the three men still sprawled out on the floor.

Sometimes, the most dangerous place really was the safest. With everyone out searching, there was no way they'd double back soon.

Clara crouched low, rifling through the men's pockets until she finally found a phone. Her hands shook as she dialed Z.

She didn't even know where she was, but deep down, she knew-if something went wrong, he'd be the first person she'd reach for.

Z had been crazy busy since New Year's, but as soon as he picked up, she heard his breathing turn sharp, tense.

Clara rushed through everything that had happened. It took less than twenty seconds. Then she only asked, "Can you find me?"

"Wait for me."

Just those two words, and somehow, her panic faded.

But she wasn't taking any chances. She quickly dialed 911, hoping the police could trace the phone and get her out. Loving Z was one thing-wanting to stay alive was another.

Always good to have a backup.

All that took under a minute. Then she slid behind another door and waited. If those people came back, she needed to be ready.

Beck and the others searched for an hour, but Clara had vanished. Then Megan called again.

"Clara's brother showed up. You all need to come back."

refused to

had no choice but to call off the plan. She hated

going rogue hadn't been part of her plan, and she couldn't figure out

She told Beck and the crew to clean up

didn't argue. He led everyone back to the

they only came in to grab their gear and drag out the

sweat covered her back and

minutes later, they were

waited another ten minutes, just to be sure. When everything stayed silent, she finally got ready to slip

set one foot outside when footsteps

didn't have time to react-someone pulled her

off guard, but all

did you know I'd be

warm and steady, and his answer was simple: "I know

call, but he was already here. She remembered riding in the car for almost two

way. That couldn't just

to ask when a car pulled up outside.

and led her down

"Clara, come on."

it those people coming

After being on edge for so long, Clara's vision swam with exhaustion. She didn't know how long they ran, but eventually she just couldn't keep

on my

barely able to keep her eyes open. "What if they

just keep running-with you in

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