With my pulse racing and the sound of footsteps echoing close behind me, I ran through the woods. The voice I'd heard in the darkness seemed like my last chance, and my escape had been a tight one with the man's hold on my arm still very much in place. With every instinct telling me to keep going, I dodged beneath branches and scuttled into the thick jungle. My body was at its breaking point, but I still had the USB drive in my hand—the lifeline that contained all of Crestmont's secrets.
The man's persistent speed and louder footsteps could be heard behind me. I could feel his annoyance and his unwavering will to catch me. I made myself ignore the fatigue that was tearing at me and concentrate on every step, every breath, and the glimmer of hope that there could be someone else out there who was on my side.
