“Pack your things,” Lydia said. “Get Harrison and get out of that motel right now.”

“Where do I go?” I asked, panic rising in my chest.

“Drive south,” she said. “Find a chain hotel near the highway. Use cash. Do not stop until you are at least two hours away.”

“Okay,” I said. “Okay.”

I hung up the phone.

I threw my clothes into the duffel bag.

I grabbed Harrison’s small diaper bag and stuffed his toys inside.

Harrison stirred on the bed, let out a small cough, but didn’t wake up.

I zipped the bags and slung them over my shoulder.

I scooped Harrison up in my arms.

He murmured against my shoulder, still half-asleep.

I reached for the metal doorknob.

Before I could turn it, the headlights of a car swept across the motel window.

The bright light cut through the plastic blinds, casting long, sharp shadows across the room.

The engine sound died.

A car door slammed outside in the gravel.

I held my breath, pressing Harrison closer to my chest.

The gravel crunched under heavy boots.