Chapter 9
Elena spun around and bolted down the back hallway toward the kitchen exit, her black pants rustling with every frantic stride. Lily whimpered against her shoulder, startled by the sudden movement, but Elena didn't dare stop. Behind her, heavy footsteps thudded against the hardwood floor.
"Elena, stop right now!" David bellowed, his voice echoing off the white walls. "You're not going anywhere with my daughter!"
She reached the kitchen, her eyes darting toward the heavy wooden door leading to the garage. Her fingers fumbled with the deadbolt, sliding it open just as David lunged into the room. He grabbed the back of her dark red blouse, yanking her backward with brutal force. Elena stumbled, her shoulder slamming against the kitchen counter, but she twisted desperately to keep Lily shielded from the impact.
"Let go of me!" Elena screamed, striking out with her free hand, catching David across the cheek with a sharp slap.
The blow shocked him into a momentary pause. David brought a hand up to his red cheek, staring at her with wide, unbelieving eyes. That brief hesitation was all Elena needed. She wrenched herself free from his grasp, tearing the fabric of her blouse, and threw herself through the garage door, slamming it shut behind her.
She slammed the deadbolt on the garage side, locking it just as David’s fists began pounding against the wood on the other side.
"Open this door, Elena! Open it or I swear I'll break it down!" David’s muffled screams reverberated through the hollow core of the door.
Elena didn't answer. She rushed toward her SUV parked in the center of the garage, her fingers shaking as she dug in her pocket for the key fob. The automatic garage door opener button was mounted on the wall near the driver's side door. She pressed it frantically.
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With a low, mechanical whir, the heavy metal garage door began to lift, slowly revealing the bright afternoon sunlight of the suburban cul-de-sac.
As the gap widened, Elena spotted a familiar black-and-white cruiser turning into the driveway, its emergency lights flashing silently against the manicured lawns.
