She didn't think. Didn't freeze, either. Just acted.

Chris was in her arms and she was on the stairs and running through the grass and into the woods. Emily kept running and running until she couldn't, until she had to stop and let him down and collapse herself and listen for pursuit.

None. Were they safe? Was it possible? Emily rolled to her knees. Not even the pain could distract her. She peeked through the brush. All was calm and still. It wasn't possible and ...