Mother by Chance

Chapter 13: The Safe House

As they approached the safe house, Alex's anxiety grew. Who was this figure standing in the shadows? And what did they want?

Ethan's eyes were fixed on the figure, his expression grim. Alex knew he was trying to protect her, but she also knew they couldn't stay hidden forever.

The figure stepped forward, revealing a tall, imposing man with a stern expression. Alex's heart skipped a beat as he approached them.

"Who are you?" Alex asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The man's expression softened slightly. "My name is Marcus," he said. "I'm a friend of Ethan's."

Ethan nodded, his eyes still fixed on Marcus. "Marcus is the one who arranged for us to stay at the safe house," he explained.

Alex's eyes widened. "A safe house?" she repeated.

Marcus nodded. "Yes," he said. "It's a place where you can hide out for a while. You'll be safe there."

Alex felt a surge of hope. Maybe they would finally be able to catch a break.

But as they followed Marcus to the safe house, Alex couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced around, but saw nothing. Just the darkness, and the occasional flash of headlights from passing cars.

The safe house was a small, nondescript building on the outskirts of town. Marcus led them inside, revealing a cozy living room with a fireplace and a small kitchenette.

"This is it," Marcus said, gesturing to the room. "You'll be safe here."

Alex looked around, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe they would finally be able to relax.

But as she turned to Ethan, she saw a look of concern on his face. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Ethan's eyes were fixed on Marcus. "I don't know," he said. "Something doesn't feel right."

Alex's heart skipped a beat. What did Ethan mean?

But before she could ask any more questions, Marcus spoke up. "I'll leave you two alone," he said. "You must be exhausted."

As Marcus left the safe house, Alex turned to Ethan. "What's going on?" she asked.

Ethan's eyes were fixed on the door. "I don't trust Marcus," he said. "Something about him doesn't add up."

Alex's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Ethan's face was grim. "I don't know," he said. "But I'm going to find out."

As Ethan began to search the safe house, Alex felt a sense of unease wash over her. What were they getting themselves into?

And then, just as Ethan was about to open a door, Alex heard a noise behind them.

She turned to see Marcus standing in the doorway, a gun in his hand.

"Welcome to your new home," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Alex's heart skipped a beat. What was going on?

And then, just as she was about to scream, Ethan grabbed her, pulling her behind him.

"We're not going down without a fight," he said, his eyes locked on Marcus.

As the standoff began, Alex knew they were in grave danger. Would they be able to escape?

Or would they become Marcus's next victims?