Chapter: 38 An unfamiliar rhythm hammered in her chest, every beat loud in her ears. Without warning, instinct kicked inher legs propelled her straight into the nearest flower bed, dirt scattering beneath her feet. Almost immediately, a car shot past the spot where she'd been standing, the rush of air from its speed tossing her coat..l. A chill prickled her skin as realization hitshe'd barely dodged disaster. If she'd been even a second slower, the impact would have been unavoidable. Before the shock fully set in, the black vehicle screeched to a halt, and then began circling back, headlights blazing toward her hiding place. A low wall ringed the flower bed, just high enough to force the car to slow down, but not enough to block its determined approach. Whoever was behind the wheel wasn't simply passing by. Dread wormed its way through Millie's thoughts..l. Was she being targeted? What could possibly motivate someone to do this? Should she try to run, or stay hidden and hope for help? Had this person been tracking her movements since earlier, watching from the studio's shadows? Or maybe she was up against more than one set of eyesone waiting outside, another lurking within the building, both lying in wait for the perfect moment to strike? A thousand questions raced through her mind, but Millie forced herself to focus. She needed a plan, and fast. Rather than freeze, she watched the black car barrel closer, and at the last possible second, she dove sideways out of its path. Metal collided with concrete as the car plowed into the flower bed, its engine howling in frustration. Wasting no time, Millie sprinted toward her own car, adrenaline propelling her forward. Doubling back into the building seemed like a trap; there was no telling if someone waited for her inside. The open plaza nearby offered little safety, and crossing that distance could leave her exposed... Escape meant getting behind the wheel and reaching helpheading straight for the nearest police station was her best shot. Thank goodness, her car was only steps away. Pure survival instinct took over. She covered the ground in seconds and yanked the driver's door open. No sooner had she slammed the door shut than a violent impact rocked the vehicle, the black car ramming into her with brute force. Dizziness crept in. A wave of nausea rolled through her, leaving her stunned. A low groan slipped out. "Ugh..." The other car pulled back, engine revving for another attack. Gritting her teeth, Millie fought to clear her head, jamming the keys into the ignition and slamming her foot down on the gas...c