Chapter 143

Haley’s POV: The sound of the gunshot echoed in my ears long after it had stopped. My chest felt tight, my breath ragged as the guard dragged me down the narrow hallway toward the emergency exit. My knees scraped against the rough floor when I stumbled, but he pulled me up without hesitation. “Stay low, ma’am!” he barked. “Haley, hurry!” Erin cried, holding onto my hand as we stumbled forward together. My mind was blank except for one thought: I almost died. Again. When we reached the metal door at the end, another guard pushed it open. Sunlight blinded me for a second, and then the fresh air hit my face. My lungs burned, and I gulped for breath like I had been drowning. “Get her in the car!” one of the men shouted. I was half-pushed, half-carried into the backseat of a black SUV. Erin climbed in beside me, her face pale, her hands trembling. The guards shut the doors, and the car sped away with screeching tires. I turned to Erin, clutching her wrist. “Did… did anyone get hurt? Did the