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."

to wait, insisting on searching

choice but to call off the plan. She hated it, but she couldn't risk anyone getting suspicious

was rattled. Ryan going rogue hadn't been part of her plan, and she couldn't figure out why, after Sarah's death, he still

dwell on it. She told Beck and the crew to clean up and

led

only came in to grab their gear

tense, sweat covered

later, they

just to be sure. When everything

when footsteps echoed behind her

didn't have time to react-someone

froze, caught off guard, but all her defenses just fell

how did you know I'd be here?" she

warm and steady, and his answer was

even been twenty minutes since her call, but he was already here. She remembered riding in the car for almost two hours when she was brought here. Was this place really that close to Z's family

That couldn't just be luck,

about to ask when a car pulled up outside. Before she

and led her down a side

"Clara, come on."

it those people

night air was freezing. After being on edge for so long, Clara's vision swam with exhaustion. She didn't know how

tired, lean on

able to keep her eyes open. "What

running-with you

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