Escape Into the Unknown

The SUV tore down the dirt road, its tires kicking up dust in the moonlight. Alexander's grip on Mia's hand remained firm, his pulse a steady rhythm against her skin.

Victor kept his eyes glued to the tablet, scanning the security feeds. "They're moving fast. Too fast. Whoever they are, they're professionals."

Mia's heart pounded as she looked at Alexander. "Where exactly are we going?"

"The airstrip," Langston answered, double-checking the hard drive in her coat pocket. "We have a jet waiting. It's prepped and fueled."

Mia's stomach twisted. Running. Hiding. It was the same cycle over and over again. But this time, she wasn't just running for herself. She was carrying a life inside her—a child who would need protection from the storm closing in on them.

The SUV took a sharp turn, and the private airstrip came into view. The sleek, dark jet sat waiting, its engines humming softly.

Alexander wasted no time. "Victor, make sure the runway stays clear."

Victor nodded, already on his phone.

The moment the SUV screeched to a stop, the doors flew open. Alexander helped Mia out first, his hand protective over her back. Langston and Victor followed, moving swiftly toward the jet.

But then—

Boom!

A sudden explosion rocked the ground behind them. Flames erupted in the distance, sending a fiery glow into the sky.

"They're here!" Victor shouted.

Gunfire followed. Mia gasped as bullets whizzed past them, hitting the ground near their feet. Alexander pulled her behind the SUV, his gun already drawn.

Langston reached into her coat and pulled out a pistol. "We don't have time for this."

Alexander's voice was steel. "We need to get to that jet. Now."

More gunfire erupted as armed men emerged from the shadows.

Mia's breath hitched as fear gripped her. But Alexander didn't hesitate. He aimed and fired, dropping one of their attackers. Langston followed suit, covering Victor as he sprinted toward the jet.

Mia felt a sharp tug as Alexander pulled her forward. "Run!"

She didn't look back. She just ran.

The gunfire rang in her ears, but she forced herself to focus. The stairs to the jet were just ahead. Victor had already boarded, frantically working to start the aircraft.

Langston and Alexander moved in sync, taking out another gunman as they reached the jet's stairs.

Mia climbed as fast as she could, her breath coming in gasps. As soon as she was inside, she turned just in time to see Alexander fire one last shot before lunging into the jet behind Langston.

Victor slammed the door shut. "We're clear!"

The engines roared louder. The jet started to move.

Mia collapsed into a seat, her heart racing. Alexander knelt beside her, brushing a hand over her cheek.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded shakily, her hands resting over her belly. "I think so."

Alexander kissed her forehead, then turned to Victor. "Get us out of here. Now."

The jet accelerated, lifting off the ground just as another explosion shook the airstrip.