↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ━ 𝐒𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐋

𝐈 ー 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓

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Dropping the emergency bag at her feet after climbing into the car, Sierra slumps in the passenger seat with her hood over her head. Hayley not missing a beat between the door closing and pulling away from the tranquil neighbourhood. Emerald eyes flicker between the road ahead and the mirror.

Sierra checks the side mirror for any cars that might be tailing them, ensuring they're both safe before even considering to relax her stiff muscles.

"Thank you." She takes a breath to steel her nerves. "It was too much of a risk to park anywhere near the house so I appreciate you doing this."

"I thought it was strange of you to have me park a whole street away." However her vague smile falls from her face to see her friend still slouched in her seat. Nails picking at the skin on her fingers, leg bouncing. "How much danger are you in?"

"A lot."

"You can't tell me anything?"

"It's for your safety. Being seen with me will pose a risk to you and your family. The less you know the better, trust me."

"Is that why you wouldn't let me visit you in the hospital?"

"They have no idea you exist. I had a gut feeling from the beginning which is why I kept you a secret. I'm sorry for not explaining."

"Don't be, I understand. You're okay that's all that matters."

"For now I am."

Soon comes the time where they arrive at the beautiful house adorned with bright green vines and sunset coloured flowers. Sierra admires it for only a few seconds. A sense of security wrapping its arms around her now that she's back here after so long.

They both hurry inside and she slides the chain across the door as a precaution. Of course a tiny chain wouldn't stop them but it might slow them down enough for her to flee again.

"Is Preston home?"

"He's away on a business trip. Won't be back until the end of the week unless something comes up."

"Okay. That's good." She nods and sets her bag down. It had been packed the moment she returned home from the hospital. "I can't stay here long. They're good at what they do and right now I'm number one on their hit list. I just need a couple hoursー maybe a night until I figure something out."

"Are you sure?"

"If they find out you're involved they'll come after you too. I can't risk that."

"I know you can't tell me anything, and knowing you you probably wouldn't even if you could, but at least let me help you. Please babe what do you need? A car? Supplies? Money?"

"I can't take your car."

"Yes you can. It's yours." She takes the keys from the side and places them into Sierra's hand despite her protests. "She's good. She'll take you wherever you need to go. What else do you need?"

Sierra ponders for a moment, lightly scratching the frown lines across her forehead. "Do you have maps? A phone too since I left mine behind. A laptopー something I can use without being tracked."