I backed away from the door, my slippers sliding on the dusty concrete.

I had to get to Jake before they did.

I had to tell him that Derek had betrayed us.

As I turned to run toward the stairs, my foot hit an empty soda can resting against the wall.

The metal clattered loudly against the concrete floor, the sound echoing down the narrow hallway.

Inside the boiler room, the voices instantly stopped.

“Who’s out there?” Carl called out.

I didn’t answer.

I bolted down the dark corridor toward the stairs, my heart pounding in my ears.

I scrambled up the concrete steps, panting, my legs aching.

Behind me, I heard the heavy green door of the boiler room creak open.

“Mom?” Derek’s voice called out from below.

I didn’t stop.

I reached the first floor and pushed through the heavy fire door.

The lobby was bright and quiet, but the air felt charged.

I ran to the front window and looked out into the courtyard.

The man in the wool coat who had been on the steps was gone.