The drive from the fishing harbor to Eggersheld had never felt so short to Tessa.
Her hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white, while in the rearview mirror the predatory headlights of the black SUV remained fixed behind her like something patient and inevitable. Roman did not overtake her, force her toward the shoulder, or attempt to block her path. He simply followed, relentless and silent, looming over the fragile shape of her life like an approaching storm.
“Mom, why is that big man driving behind us?” Leo twisted in his seat to peer through the rear window, curiosity sparkling in eyes that had already returned to their usual dark shade, though traces of strange excitement still lingered there. “Does he want to give my cracker back?”
“No, sweetheart
