Chapter Ten

Anna and Josh ran, their breaths rapid and heavy, the moonlight barely lighting the thick forest. The distant cries of men shouting grew softer behind them, but neither dared to slow. Every leaf rustle seemed like a new danger.

Josh muttered, "Over here," and dragged Anna to a secret path. Her clothing caught a thorny bush as she staggered a little.

"Are they no longer there?" She gripped her side as she gasped.

"For the time being," Josh said. He looked into the darkness. "We must reach Eric. He will be aware of what to do.

"I... Anna's voice was shaking as she added, "I didn't think Caleb would go this far." He's not merely attempting to frighten us. He desires our departure.

Josh took hold of her hand and squeezed it comfortingly. "We will not allow him to prevail. We're almost there, so hurry up.

They reached Eric's hiding place, a little, dilapidated hut tucked away in the middle of the forest. Sharp-eyed and rough-spoken, Eric opened the door right away.

"What took place?" Eric drew them in and demanded.

Josh stated, sitting on a chair, "an ambush." We were met by Caleb's men. He is taking action.

Anna's face became white as she slid onto the couch. He is pursuing more than just us. He is putting my family in danger. I... I have no idea how to stop him.

Grimly, Eric nodded. "Caleb's power comes from fear. If we want to take him down, we need to be smarter. Hit him where it hurts."

"How?" Anna asked, her voice laced with desperation.

"By making him public," Eric stated. However, we must first reorganize. No more errors. Do you agree?

Anna and Josh looked at each other resolutely and nodded. "Agreed."

The next morning, Anna stood in the centre of the city square, her heart hammering as she grabbed the microphone. A small crowd had gathered, their murmurs blending into a restless hum. She could feel Caleb's sharp eyes from the backseat of his shiny black automobile, which was parked close by. But she was not going to give up.

Despite the lump in her throat, Anna's voice remained firm as she spoke, "People of Ridgewood." Caleb Frank has been hiding behind his wealth and power for far too long. However, I will not remain silent any longer. He has threatened anyone who dared oppose him, ruined lives, and stolen futures.

The murmurs of the crowd increased in volume. Caleb came out of his car, his attitude serene but his eyes flaming with wrath.

"Anna," he said with ease as he moved in closer. "You're creating a commotion. Let's avoid discussing private matters in public.

"Unclean laundry?" Anna's voice rose as she shot back. "Caleb, you have done crimes. Bribery, extortion, and worse. People are entitled to the truth.

Caleb's grin became cold. Be careful, Anna. I would hate for the secrets of your family to be revealed. Or would you rather I tell you what I know about the debts owed by your late father?

Anna's breath hitched. "You… you wouldn't."

"Try me," Caleb growled, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "You think you're untouchable? Think again."

The tension between them was apparent, the spectators blind to the perilous game being played. Anna clenched her hands, unwilling to let Caleb frighten her.

She took a step back and said, "This isn't over." She spoke firmly, but as she turned and left, her heart was pounding. With a sly smile on his lips, Caleb watched her leave.

With a laptop open on the table, Eric paced the room back to the hideout. As Anna and Josh came in, he said, "I have both good and bad news."

Josh sat down and said, "Let's start with the good news."

Eric remarked, "I found someone willing to testify against Caleb." "A former associate who knows everything—from his illegal deals to his threats."

Anna's eyes brightened up. "That's amazing! Who is it?

Eric's expression darkened. "That's the bad news. Caleb's already after him. We must keep him safe if we want his testimony.

Josh scowled. "Now, where is he?"

Eric answered, "Hiding in the outskirts." "We must act quickly, but I have set up a safe house. Caleb's troops are closing in."

Anna nodded. "Let's do it. Whatever is necessary.

The headlines the following day cried treachery. "Anna Dawson and Josh Carter: Dangerous Fugitives on the Run" was the headline that appeared in every major news station.

Anna gazed incredulously at the television. "He… he's turned the media against us. They're calling us criminals."

"Classic Caleb," Eric said quietly. "He is in charge of the story. If the public sees you as villains, they won't listen to a word you say."

Josh banged his fist on the table. "This is insane. We must fight back. Give our version of events.

"How can we accomplish that?" Anna's voice wavered as she asked. He is the media's owner. Nobody is going to believe us.

A hand was placed on her shoulder by Eric. "We'll figure something out. We must get that witness to safety first, though. Our best chance is his testimony.

The sound of sirens filled the air before anyone could react. Anna's blood froze.

Josh said, looking out the window, "Police." "They're pursuing us."

Eric muttered a curse word. They must have been alerted by Caleb. We must relocate. Right now.

As Anna reached for her suitcase, her heart was racing. "What if we get caught?"

Josh firmly grasped her hand. "They won't. I swear.

With the sirens getting louder, the group crept out the back door. Anna's mind was racing with terror and resolve as she looked back as they vanished into the trees.

Caleb had just increased the stakes, and the hunt was on.

"Josh, what if we can't outrun this?" Anna said in a tremulous murmur.

Josh remained silent. Even though he was staring straight ahead, his face showed the dread he was trying to hide. The forest's shadows encircled them, and farther away, the distinct sound of footsteps approached.