"Daddy? What is happening? Why are we running away like this?"
The older man glanced at his son with worry clouding his eyes. He didn't answer right away. Instead, he hurried toward the rear exit of the hotel, his steps fast and quiet, hugging the child close to him. Only when he stepped out through the back door, scanned the alley, and saw that it was empty — no one following, no signs of danger — did he allow himself to breathe again. His eyes then shifted quickly to his son, ensuring the boy was alright and unharmed that a quiet sigh of relief escaped his lips.
"Did she say anything to you when she locked you in the bathroom?" he asked finally, his voice low and urgent as he placed the boy into the car and quickly started to drive away.
