Chapter 64
You’re not sure why, but you trust Carson. There’s something earnest about him that makes you think he truly cares about you and wants to save you.
“All right,” you say. “Let’s go.”
The two of you dash in the direction of the wooded part of the estate.
Carson would probably move faster without you, but he’s deliberately matching his pace to yours.
Whenever you start to fall behind, he slows down to let you catch up.
At one point, you stumble, and he grabs your arm to steady you.
Just as you’re getting closer to the wooded area, you see a flash of movement near one of the trees you’re approaching. Carson swivels his gaze to the side as he slows to a halt, ten feet shy of the tree. He puts a protective hand on your shoulder.
“Who’s there?” he calls out.
For a moment, there’s only silence. But then a familiar man emerges from behind the tree. You recognize his bushy, graying beard immediately.
It’s the hitchhiker.
“I’m sorry to scare you.” His hands are raised in the air in a gesture of surrender. “But I don’t mean you any harm.”
Carson’s eyes narrow. “What are you doing then?”
“I came to warn you.” The hitchhiker glances to the side nervously. “The people in the house… They know your plan. They know how you’re trying to escape, and they’re waiting for you.”
Carson sucks in a breath. “No. That’s impossible.”
“I overheard them talking,” the hitchhiker insists. “I swear, they’re going to kill you. Both of you.”
Carson stares at him, shaking his head. He appears to debate the situation, but then he comes to a conclusion: “You’re lying.”
“Lying?” the hitchhiker repeats. “Why would I lie? What would I have to gain?”
“I genuinely don’t know.” Carson nods his head in the direction of the gate. “But I don’t believe anyone is waiting for us.”
For a moment, a slice of light passes over the hitchhiker’s face as the mist around the moon clears for a second then returns.
“Listen to me.” The hitchhiker turns to you, apparently realizing Carson is a lost cause. “If you follow him, they’re going to kill you. I promise. I found another way out, and that’s the only way you’re getting out of here.”
“Don’t listen to him, Sloan,” Carson growls. “I don’t know what his game is, but he’s misleading you. Come with me, and we’ll get out of here together. I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
You look between the two men, unsure what to do. They are both strangers. Who are you supposed to believe?
To follow the hitchhiker, turn to Chapter 65 (page 166)
To follow Carson, turn to Chapter 67 (page 172)