Amelia darted to the right and then slowed, moving carefully now to avoid breaking the late-season stalks and leaving a clear trail for him to follow. Weaving in and out and back and forth as quickly as she dared, she got lost in the field.
But she knew he was right behind her; she could feel his presence.
Something behind her boomed, and the rich scent of overturned earth filled the air. The very ground behind her furrowed in a ridge, following the path she’d taken through the field like a heat-seeking missile.
Amelia didn’t have time to think, to breathe, or to do anything. The ground shook beneath her, parted, and she went straight down into it, screaming. Grosset jumped from her arms and landed near her, barking like a furry wild thing.
She lay on her belly, spitting out dirt, when
