Dolly heard the report of a pistol behind her. The sound was like a heavy sledge-hammer, striking hard at her heart, and causing her extreme uneasiness. She ran to the front of the group and anxiously whispered to Susan, " I have to go back. Emily is in danger."
"No, we'll keep going." Susan said firmly.
" I am not asking your permission." Dolly stopped in her tracks. At that moment the group behind her stopped, too, because of Dolly's movement. There was tension and uneasiness in the air.
"I am the leader now. " Susan said to Dolly in a serious tone, "Have you forgotten Emily's orders?"
"I haven't forgotten." Dolly said, " More than that, I haven't forgotten that I am her beta and it is my duty to protect her."
" Have you thought about the consequences?" Susan asked, " If something bad did happen to Emily, do you think you could really save her? Carl has already gone to find her, and if Carl can't save her, you can't do it either."
