Hazel's heart skipped as she turned sharply, scanning the street. The faint glow of streetlights illuminated only empty sidewalks and parked cars. No movement. No sound—except her own breathing.
Still... she could've sworn she heard footsteps behind her.
She turned and started to walk faster. When the footsteps quickened again, she broke into a run. She dashed across to the other side of the street, heart hammering against her ribs.
She could have run straight to the apartment if it had been closer, but it wasn't. Desperately, Hazel ran to the roadside to flag a cab. A hand clamped over her mouth from behind and yanked her into a shadowed corner.
Her muffled cries choked off as she struggled. Someone slammed her against the wall. Two men loomed over her—one heavyset, the other lean. The heavy man had a long scar that cut down his neck.
