Sudden Death Page 3
*
Behind the two runners, a shot rang out. It crashed loudly across the sky. Mark felt that hope had run out on him and the possibility of a successful escape was negated. But fear drove them both on. They knew that their friends were dead. There was nothing that neither of them could do. Only the thought of getting to a village or town pushed them on. That was all they could do. And that was to get help by any means possible.
Beyond them loomed a wooden stile; a small rickety construction that allowed them to cross into the next field.
Julia was crying and sobbing with each new breath. Mark was holding her so tight, that when he looked at her hand, his finger nails had drawn blood at her wrist. Her face was a picture of terror. What had happened to them was surreal, like out of a horror film. One minute they’re driving along looking forward to a break, and now two of them lay dead, along with an unknown girl. It was madness. It was plain, utter madness.
As they plunged into the next field, they found the ground easier to run along. It felt firmer under their feet and less marshy. A tractor had paved a path over time towards the main road ahead of them. This offered better grip as they ran. Mark saw a car racing along the road. It was a small hatchback car and it was heading in their direction. He dragged Julia’s near exhausted body towards the road and cried out desperately, waving his free hand to attract the driver’s attention.
The car slowed. Mark felt an insane level of optimism and hope jolted him to cry out. The car began to stop and a young woman opened the window, concerned.
“Are you two okay?” the woman asked as she eyed the two breathless people suspiciously. “You look like you’ve seen something terrible.”
“We have,” said Mark. “Can you please get us to the next town or village – please, I beg you!”
With her mouth still open, the women opened the other door and let Julia clamber into the back seat. Mark got in beside the confused driver.
“Thank you, thank you so much,” Mark panted as he wiped the tears of frustration from his eyes.
“I’m going to Radley. It’s where I live,” said the surprised woman. “My Dad owns the pub there. It’s quiet this time of day but I can take you there.”
“That will be fine,” said Mark desperately. “Anywhere that has a phone will be fine.”
“God, you two look so frightened,” said the woman sympathetically as she noticed how pallid they looked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Mark didn’t know what to say. Behind him, Julia was in near hysterics. “Please drive – just get us out of here – please!” begged Mark. And the young woman nodded and accelerated away towards Radley.