chapter 64

Barbie's breath quickened, her eyes darting around the dark alley as Mark's words echoed in her ears. Her legs felt like jelly, but she forced herself to move, breaking into a hurried walk toward the main road. Every shadow seemed darker, every sound more sinister.

"Mark," she whispered into the phone, her voice trembling, "I'm scared. Whoever it was... they knew exactly where I was. They sounded so much like you at first, but then..." Her voice trailed off as she remembered the chilling laughter.

"Just keep moving, Barbie," Mark said firmly. "I'm only ten minutes away. Stay on the phone with me. I'm coming, I promise."

Barbie nodded, though he couldn't see her. She kept walking, her footsteps quickening as she tried to get closer to the bright lights of the street. Every instinct told her to run, but fear kept her from moving too fast, afraid she'd attract more attention.