THE JUMP
The railing was cold against Maya’s bound hands.
Below her, the water waited. Dark. Deep. Hungry.
Behind her, Vance watched. His smile was gone. His eyes were hungry.
Danny was screaming. Kaela was pounding on the car window. Rachel was trying to open the door.
The fire was spreading.
Maya looked at her daughter.
Then she jumped.
Not off the bridge. Not into the water.
She threw herself sideways, toward the car, toward the flames. Vance lunged for her, but she was faster. Her bound hands grabbed the door handle. It was hot. Burning hot. She didn’t let go.
She pulled.
The door opened.
Danny fell out, coughing, her eyes streaming tears.
Kaela followed. Rachel followed.
Maya pushed them away from the car, toward the railing, toward the edge.
“Run!” she screamed.
They ran.
Vance grabbed her hair.
She turned. Brought her knee up. Connected with something soft.
He grunted. Let go.
She ran.
Behind her, the car exploded.
Heat slammed into her back. She fell. Rolled. Kept rolling.
When she stopped, she was at the edge of the bridge.
Alive.
Burned.
But alive.
Danny was beside her. Crying. Holding her.
Kaela and Rachel were farther down the bridge, safe.
Vance was gone.