Suddenly, the door burst open, and the women from the SUVs stormed in, scanning the room. Esme held her breath, hoping they wouldn't see her. They moved methodically, checking behind crates and machinery, their voices low but urgent.
"She couldn't have gone far," one of them muttered, a grim smile playing on her lips. "Let's split up."
Esme's pulse quickened as they fanned out, each step bringing them closer to her hiding spot. She needed a distraction. She glanced around, spotting a metal rod leaning against the wall. It was a risk, but she had to try.
Quietly, she grabbed the rod and hurled it toward a stack of crates on the opposite side of the warehouse. The loud crash echoed through the space, and the women immediately turned, their attention diverted.
