Chapter 4 - The Escape
I did not wait for Mark to remove the plastic cap from the deadly syringe.
I launched myself across the center console with all the strength I had left in my exhausted body.
I slammed both of my hands into the steering wheel, pressing the horn with all my might.
The blaring sound echoed through the silent forest, completely startling him.
I used the distraction to drive my thumbs directly into his eyes as hard as I could.
Mark screamed in agonizing pain and dropped the syringe onto the floorboard.
I scrambled back to my seat and frantically unlocked the doors using the manual override switch.
I threw the door open, ignoring the sharp pain radiating through my surgical stitches.
I ripped the back door open, unbuckled the car seat, and pulled my crying baby into my arms.
I sprinted blindly into the dense, dark woods without looking back.
I could hear Mark cursing loudly behind me as he stumbled out of the car.
He turned on a high-powered flashlight, sending a sweeping beam of bright light through the thick trees.
I hid behind a massive, fallen oak tree, gently placing my hand over my baby's mouth so he would not make a sound.
Mark walked within five feet of our hiding spot, swinging a heavy metal tire iron in his right hand.
He kicked a pile of dead leaves in frustration and continued walking deeper into the forest.
I waited until his flashlight beam disappeared completely before I dared to move.
I crept in the opposite direction, navigating by the faint moonlight filtering through the canopy.
After thirty minutes of agonizing walking, I finally heard the distant hum of a vehicle engine.
I broke through the tree line and found myself standing on the edge of a rural, two-lane highway.
A massive delivery truck was driving slowly up the winding mountain pass.
I stood in the middle of the road, waving my arms frantically to flag the driver down.
The truck screeched to a halt, and the driver leaned over to open the heavy passenger door.
I climbed inside, crying tears of sheer relief as I begged him to drive me to the nearest police station.
The driver smiled warmly, but he did not put the truck back into gear.
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He reached over and manually locked the heavy passenger door.
"Your husband pays very well for lost items," the driver said quietly.
