MELANIE:

The tires screech as Carlos slams the accelerator, the car launching forward so fast my shoulder hits the seat. My children’s screams still echo in my skull.

“Faster, Carlos—please—please!” My voice cracks.

“I’m trying!” His grip on the wheel is white-knuckled. “Hold on.”

My heart is slamming against my ribs so violently I can barely breathe. The other car darts through a narrow street, swerving recklessly. I spot Killian’s small face pressed against the back ...