Page 47

Lisa reclined low in the passenger seat. Jade was in the back. They’d all bought new hoodies at Walmart on the way to Austin and both currently had their hoods up. Although they were a full block off Sixth Street, there was still quite a bit of streetlight and busy foot traffic on the sidewalk next to them. Most walkers paid little attention to them sitting in their vehicle. A few did, and it made her nervous. She was starting to wish they’d parked farther away. But Cole wanted the vehicle close by in case they needed to make a quick getaway for some reason. Lisa was about to text her husband again, to get a status update, when she suddenly spotted bright headlights move in directly behind them. When red and blue flashing lights suddenly went off, Lisa felt her heart nearly stop.

“Mom!” Jade shrieked from the back. “The police!”

“I know, I see them. Just stay calm.”

“Why are they behind us?”

“I don’t know. Just don’t panic.”

Lisa said this even though she was freaking out internally. Why was a police officer back there? Had they already been found again? There was no time for them to get out and walk away from the vehicle as a precaution. Lisa was cursing and praying at the same time. A uniformed officer was already out and moving up the sidewalk toward the driver-side window. He looked to be in his early thirties and very clean-cut. He leaned into the vehicle and tapped on the glass. Lisa let out a deep breath, tried to steady herself. She put her shaky hand on the door lever and lowered the window. Her heart was in her throat.

“Ma’am, are you aware you’re illegally parked in a loading zone?” he said.

She was grateful to hear that. He was at least not initially arresting them.

“No, officer. My husband parked here. He must not have seen the sign.”

“Where is your husband?”

“He’ll be back soon. He’s just dropping something off.”

“Can I see your license and registration?”

Lisa swallowed again. “I don’t have that with me. But I can move the vehicle, if you want. This was an honest mistake.”

“Just wait here. I’ll be back in a moment.”

He walked back over to his vehicle and climbed inside. Lisa’s heart was pumping so hard she could feel it in her head. Was the cop about to run their plates? If he did, would it show up as a stolen vehicle? She had to suspect it would. Had the police in El Paso already put together that the thief was a fugitive? Was this cop about to realize who they were and storm right back with his gun drawn? Was he calling for backup? Were more cops about to arrive?

“Mom, what do we do?” Jade said, panic in her voice.

“Listen to me very carefully, Jade. We have to run.”

“What?” Jade said. “That cop is right there behind us.”

“I know. But we don’t have a choice.”

“Run where?”

“Straight toward the crowd on Sixth Street. And try to get lost.”

“What about Dad?”

“When we’re in the clear, I’ll call him.”

Lisa’s eyes were locked on her mirror. They needed to get moving while the police officer was still inside his vehicle. That would give them a slight head start. The moment he was out of the vehicle again, they would have a slim chance to get away.

“On the count of three, Jade.”

“Mom, this is crazy.”

“Do not freeze up on me. Do you understand?”

“Okay, okay. I won’t.”

“One, two, three—go!”

At that moment, they both opened their doors and jumped out. Lisa made sure Jade moved ahead of her before quickly following. They hopped up on the sidewalk and began sprinting toward Sixth Street. Lisa took a quick peek over her shoulder, almost tripping in the process. The officer was indeed pursuing. Lisa felt more panic surge through her. Jade slowed as they hit the full crowd of Sixth Street, but Lisa just kept shoving her forward.

“Keep going!” she said. “Don’t stop until I tell you!”