217. Rescued

Taking a deep breath, Lucas reached for the bar. His hand hesitated for only a second before he pushed it. The door groaned open, and for a split second, neither of them breathed. No alarm. Lucas let out a sharp exhale and grabbed her hand. “Move.” They bolted outside into the chill night air, the sharp scent of gasoline and metal in the wind. The alley was empty, dimly lit by a single flickering streetlamp at the far end. “Which way?” Amy whispered, adrenaline surging through her veins. Lucas pointed left. “There’s a road a few blocks down. If we can make it there, we can steal a car or flag someone—” A gunshot cracked through the air, splintering the bricks near their heads. They both ducked instinctively, pressing themselves against the side of the building. “They know,” Amy gasped. Lucas clenched his jaw. “Run.” They took off, weaving through trash bins and broken crates. Another shot rang out, ricocheting off metal behind them. “STOP! Or I will shoot your head this time!” A voice