Time is Running Out

Chapter 24

"I see her," murmured Gemma.

They were hiding behind a large pot plant at McDonalds.

"Where are they?" the figure growled.

"They are here," said Joy.

Don't let them find us, please please please please, Emma prayed frantically.

"We're wearing disguises," Gemma reminded, seeing how afraid she was.

"I suppose we are," muttered Emma darkly. I was right. She is betraying us.

"Where. Are. They?" the figure demanded.

"They're here somewhere!" Joy said wildly.

"Show me."

Joy searched everywhere, but they were nowhere to be seen.

"They are here!" cried Joy desperately.

"Enough!" he snarled. "They aren't here. I told you to lead me to the right place!" He took out his gun. "You have two options. One, you take me to the right place, the right place. Or," he added, "I will kill you."

Joy couldn't decide. Should I?

"I will give you ten seconds. Ten! Nine!"

Should I or should I not?

"Eight!"

"Seven!"

Joy's mind raced.

"Six!"

"Five!"

I don't even know where they are.

"Four!"

She hesitated.

"Three!"

"Two!"

Right there and then, she decided she was tired of living and decided to end her life. Spinning around, she pressed her forehead to the barrel of the figure's gun. She was tired of being Joy Kalayna. Of the follies and mistakes she had made, this was the worst. No one could forgive her this time...

"One!"

Joy squeezed her eyes shut.

She heard two clicks, and two bangs.