Chapter 144: Out of Danger
Hannah's scream pierced the air as a car swerved toward theirs. At the last second, Jimmy made a sharp left turn, narrowly avoiding a collision. They thought they were in a blind alley, but a lane appeared, revealing a nearly deserted night market. Many stalls were closed, but a few remained, their occupants scattering at the sound of the screeching engine. The remaining stalls were smashed, and countless impacts rattled the car's windows.
Hannah, clinging to Jimmy's seat, stared at the chaotic scene. The near-death experience left her numb, unable to feel gratitude for her survival. She glanced at the pursuing car, wondering if Charles was about to end her life. Gritting her teeth, she vowed to survive, to exact her revenge. She wouldn't die here; she would kill Charles.
Finally, they escaped the alley. Jimmy drove erratically, then Oscar's voice crackled over the phone: "Jimmy, a large black truck is 200 meters ahead. Estimate its speed and ensure the car behind you is stopped when you pass."
"Copy that," Jimmy replied.
A surge of excitement coursed through Hannah. She'd worried Oscar wouldn't locate them given Jimmy's reckless driving, but he'd orchestrated their escape in mere minutes. She spotted the black truck, long enough to block the intersection, already moving in their direction. The pursuing cars were close behind. Oscar's plan hinged on Jimmy passing the intersection precisely as the truck crossed, otherwise, the pursuing vehicles would follow. The timing was critical.
Sweat beaded on Hannah's forehead. She didn't dare take her eyes off Jimmy's hands, gripping the steering wheel with increasing tension. This, she knew, was their lifeline. Her own palms were slick with sweat.
Jimmy slowed, increasing the tension. The pursuing cars remained dangerously close. Then, they hit them. Hannah stifled a scream, knowing Jimmy needed all his concentration. The impacts continued, Jimmy deliberately slowing to control the pursuing cars' momentum. Hannah held tight, silently enduring the pain of the seatbelt.
"Mrs. Wells, watch out!" Jimmy shouted.
Hannah gasped. He suddenly accelerated, hurtling toward the approaching truck. She closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable collision. A deafening crash reverberated through the streets.
After what felt like an eternity, Hannah regained consciousness. She looked back, witnessing the aftermath. The truck's front end, ripped off by the impact, lay on the ground, the rest a mangled wreck. The cars that hit it were also destroyed. Her heart pounded; they had been so close to death.
She and Jimmy struggled to regain composure. Hannah noticed a flicker of panic on Jimmy's usually calm face. He took a breath, slowed the car, and spoke into the phone: "Mr. Wells, we passed the intersection; the truck stopped the cars behind us. I'm taking Mrs. Wells back..."
"Jimmy!" Hannah screamed. Jimmy's body tensed. A car, seemingly from nowhere, appeared, bearing down on them. They had no time to react. It was hurtling toward them at breakneck speed.
"Heads down!" Jimmy yelled. He knew evasion was impossible; their only chance was to brace for impact.
They both lowered their heads. Another deafening crash filled the air. Silence followed.
Hannah's awareness returned slowly, shrouded in darkness. She felt as though she'd lived a lifetime. She looked up, seeing the car that had almost hit them stopped mere inches away, its front end severely damaged by another car.