Outside, the screech of metal on metal drowned out the sound of the rain.

Victor slammed the gear shift into reverse.

The tires spun on the wet pavement, throwing us backward with a sickening lurch.

The other vehicle pivoted, its engine roaring as the driver tried to block our front bumper.

Through the shattered side window, a muzzle flash illuminated the dark interior of our cabin.

“Down!” Arthur roared.

He shifted his weight, completely covering my back and head with his torso.

A sharp, deafening crack echoed inside the vehicle.

I felt Arthur flinch above me.

He let out a low, guttural groan but did not loosen his grip on my body.

“Arthur?” I gasped, my face pressed hard into the dark leather.

“Don’t move,” he whispered.

His breath was shallow, brushing against the side of my neck.

Victor put the car in drive and floored the accelerator.

We hopped the curb, the heavy suspension bottoming out with a loud, metallic scrape.

The SUV surged forward, slamming directly into the rear corner of the second car.

The impact cleared a path, and the tires gripped the asphalt once more.