na

away from the display case. "I have to fix this mes

peared, just waved a dismissive hand. He didn't even look at me. His min

plush carpet of the hallway leading to the restrooms. The moment I was out of h

. My eyes immediately found my exit: a small, fros

e feet cold against the stone. My left handfound purchase on the win

fetimes. I squeezed my shoulder through first. The rough metal edge of the frame caught on my silk dress, tearing the de

the dark, stinking alley behind the jeweler. I la

food. A stray cat, startled by my sudden app

my dress. My bare feet stepped on something sharp-broken g

n lights were a dizzying assault on my senses. I didn't hesitate. I stepped int

e, took one look at my filthy, barefoot, wi

tennis bracelet from my wrist-a birthday gift from my fathe

ice cold and hard. "Get me there before nine o'clock. E

s. Greed won over caution. He stomped on the accelerator. The ta

nding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. Outside

g the city behind. I glanced at the digi

en mi

and twisting with my injured right-clenching in my la

: my father's broken body on the pavement after he'd

e, I vowed.

les associate, probably. She would have found the empty restroom, the open window. I could picture his face turning that blotchy, f

for another day. For no

ng mountain road leading to the est

t wrought-iron gates of the Cooke

p yellow cab careening toward h

ned out. "OPEN THE GATE!" I roar

nt wide with shock. He fumbled for t

ing a cloud of dust and gra