He was close behind her. And faster. She had to run for all she was worth. Her breath quickened as her lungs demanded more oxygen.
Scouting the area ahead of her, she made a split-second decision and sprinted into the street to her right. A desperate glance over her shoulder confirmed that the brute was still chasing her.
Scanning the street, she spotted several residences on the other side. All of them were dark, except for one. It seemed oddly familiar, with light shining through the windows in the front room. For some reason she felt drawn to it, but now wasn't the time to think. This was her chance, probably her only one. Not slowing down for even a second, she crossed the narrow street, ran up the few steps and hammered at the door.
“Help! Help me!” she yelled.
Franti
