Ava’s mother’s warning cut through her head: Stay away from cops. They’ll take you.
Ava stared at the blood, the snow, the shaking breath of the man who was still alive.
She could run and stay invisible.
Or she could stay—and let the world finally see her.
Ava climbed into the cruiser, grabbed the radio handset with trembling hands, and pressed the button.
“Please,” she whispered into static. “Two officers… they’re bleeding… Old Mill Road by the dead tree… please hurry.”
The dispatcher’s voice snapped back, urgent: “Help is on the way. Stay on the line. What’s your name?”
Ava’s heart slammed.
If she said her name, they’d find her.
If she didn’t, these officers might die anyway.
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