Chapter 9 - THE SAFEHOUSE
Discharge day was a covert operation. Sarah pulled up to the hospital's rear entrance in a borrowed SUV. Mae helped a very sore but smiling Bea into the back seat.
When they arrived at Sarah's house, the chaos of a loving family embraced them. Lily had drawn a massive 'WELCOME HOME BEA' banner in crayon. Buster, the golden retriever, wiggled uncontrollably, whining with joy, while Luna the cat watched judgmentally from atop the refrigerator before gracefully leaping down to headbutt Bea’s ankle.
For the first time in years, Mae felt safe. They ordered pizza, they laughed, and Bea fell asleep on the couch surrounded by her family.
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But at 2:00 AM, Mae was awake. She sat by the window in the dark, watching the street. A black sedan drove past slowly, its headlights off. It paused at the end of the driveway, idled for ten agonizing seconds, and then drove away.
Theo had found them. The sanctuary was compromised. Mae knew she had to move fast to end this entirely.
