Chapter 2 - The Red Flash DriveLucas dropped through the open roof hatch, landing heavily in the center aisle of the moving bus.
The impact rattled his knees, but he didn't waste a second. He scrambled forward, passing the crying children, and slid into the driver's seat beside Maria, who had finally lost consciousness completely.
âGet away from her!â Denise screamed, lunging at Lucas with her fingernails extended. âOfficers! Heâs hijacking the bus!â
Lucas threw his elbow back, blocking Deniseâs advance, and grabbed the emergency handbrake. He pulled it back with all his strength, but the handle clicked loosely, providing absolutely zero resistance.
The primary brake pedal sunk straight to the floorboard like wet cardboard.
âSophie! Open every single window right now!â Lucas ordered, his hands wrestling the heavy steering wheel as the massive vehicle gained speed down the Maplewood hill.
Sophie dodged around Denise, slamming the emergency latches down the left side of the bus, letting the cool afternoon air rush in to clear the toxic gray haze.
As she passed her father, she slipped the red flash drive into his leather jacket pocket.
May you like
âMaria told me to give you this,â Sophie whispered frantically. âShe said Denise wanted it.â
Lucas glanced at Denise in the rearview mirror. The school aide wasn't looking at the kids or the roadâshe was staring directly at his jacket pocket with pure, calculating hatred.
Related Stories
