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Sheriff’s deputies emerged from a growing blockade of police cruisers. With weapons drawn, they chased after Shea and the girl. “Stop! Police!”
“C’mon or they’ll catch us.”
Annie stopped resisting and ran with her. Shea led them down a gravel-strewn alley between houses, past garbage cans and endless piles of junk. They emerged onto the next street and cut across several yards, keeping to the shadows. Shea pulled Annie behind a line of juniper shrubs that concealed their presence, yet offered a decent view of the street.
Three uniformed deputies emerged from the alley, scanning the area with guns and flashlights raised. Annie began to sob. Shea wrapped an arm around the girl. “Shhh. Can’t let ’em hear us.” Annie grew quiet, but trembled in Shea’s embrace.
For fifteen tense minutes,
