We ran through the park, the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer.
I didn't dare look back, fearing what I might see.
Finally, we reached the edge of the park and spilled out onto the sidewalk.
Sarah stopped abruptly, looking around nervously.
"We should be safe now," she said, panting.
I nodded, trying to catch my breath.
"What's going on, Sarah?" I asked. "What did you mean about Emily's family?"
Sarah hesitated, looking around nervously again.
"I shouldn't be telling you this," she said. "But I think you have a right to know."
She took a deep breath before continuing.
"Emily's family is in witness protection," she said. "They're hiding from someone."
My eyes widened in shock.
"What?" I exclaimed.
Sarah nodded.
"It's true," she said. "I used to be friends with Emily, but then I found out about the witness protection thing. I didn't know what to do, so I distanced myself from her."
I felt like I had been punched in the gut.
Why hadn't Emily told me?
And who was her family hiding from?
I had so many questions, but before I could ask any of them, Sarah spoke up again.
"You have to be careful, Alex," she said. "If Emily's family is in witness protection, that means they're in danger. And if you're friends with Emily, that means you could be in danger too."
I felt a chill run down my spine.
What had I gotten myself into?