Not Out of the Woods

As Joe released her, Hope ran off into the darkness before Bobby could reach her. She heard Joe groan in pain as he took a hit from Bobby, and that just made her run faster.

When she reached the opening of the alleyway, Hope glanced around. Where could she go to get help? Mack’s seemed the obvious place.

Running as if her life depended upon it, Hope cut through the familiar side streets until she reached Mack’s flat. In desperation, Hope banged both fists on the door, hoping that someone would hear her.

Mack appeared at the door a few moments later in a hoodie and jeans.

‘Hope, what are you…?’ Mack looked down at Hope’s dishevelled appearance. ‘Are you alright?’

‘Joe and Bobby are fighting. At the den. Joe needs help. He was protecting me. Bobby tried to…’ Hope was speaking in short sharp sentences, struggling to find breath after her running.