Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Charlie pushed through the undergrowth, somewhat protected from the rain, though not so against the twigs and branches that scratched and stung, leaving scarlet lines on his forearms and face. The rain may not have been as fierce beneath the canopy of the forest, but the darkness seemed thicker. Once, he almost collided with the trunk of a tree he managed to see only at the last moment.

As he ran, Charlie calculated.

Five kilometres to Albury. Eight or nine minutes per kilometre. Forty-five minutes. He smiled. If there are no problems. The smile faded. The cops will be after me by now. They might be waiting for me at home.He frowned. I have to get inside. To Ellis. Then barricade the door. Definitely barricade the door. From there I can convince them I’m innocent