Zada nodded. “Okay, let’s go now.”
“I’ll take you to the docks,” Sierra said.
“Alright.”
The two of them left the apartment together and walked down the busy street. As they went, Sierra’s mind was racing, trying to figure out how to get word to Shaun.
She couldn’t call him herself—that would make him suspicious. She had to make sure her hands looked completely clean.
But with Zada right beside her, how could she send the message without giving herself away?
“We should grab a cab,” Zada urged. “We can’t waste any time!”
She stepped ahead to flag one down at the curb.
Just then, a rubber ball rolled right to Sierra’s feet, followed by a little girl chasing after it.
“Miss, that’s my ball!” the girl said, slightly out of breath.
Sierra smiled. Perfect timing! The girl was like a gift from heaven–a way out of this tight spot. She already had a plan. Zada was still a few steps ahead, focused on getting a ride, not paying attention to her. This was her chance.
Sierra bent down and picked up the ball. “Hey, there. Is this yours?”
The girl nodded. “Yeah, I accidentally kicked it over to you. Can I have it back?”
Sierra’s smile softened.
“Of course you can, but…” She lowered her voice. “Can you do me a quick favor?”
The little girl tilted her head. “What kind of favor?”
Sierra leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “I need you to make a phone call for me.”
“A phone call?” the girl repeated, looking confused.
Putting on her most helpless expression, Sierra whispered, “I’m in a little trouble. I really need your help. You’re a good kid, right?”
“Of course I am!” the girl said proudly.
“Then you like helping people, don’t you?” Sierra said gently. “If you make this call for me,
The girl nodded earnestly. “Okay.”
I’ll be safe.”
Sierra gave her Shaun’s number and said in a low, quick voice, “Remember what I said, alright? Don’t forget a single word.”
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She handed the ball back.
The girl held it tightly and promised, “Don’t worry. I remember everything. I’ll help you.”
Then, she turned and ran off down the street.
Sierra exhaled in relief.
A moment later, Zada came back. “Sierra!”
Sierra turned, her expression perfectly calm. “Did you get a cab? Want me to try instead?”
Zada shook her head. “No need. One just pulled up!”
A cab stopped by the curb.
“Perfect,” Sierra said with a bright smile. “Let’s get to the docks. Once you’re on that boat, you’ll be safe.”
She opened the back door. “Hop in.”
Zada climbed in. “To the docks!”
Half an hour later, the cab pulled up at the docks. The sky was dark now, the harbor lights glinting across the
water.
Sierra and Zada stepped out.
Zada looked around nervously. “Where’s the boat?”
“Don’t worry,” Sierra said smoothly. “It’ll be here any minute.”
And right as she finished speaking, a small boat appeared in the distance, gliding toward the dock.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
