Fortunately the fumes from the acid abated swiftly. He figured there was no significant danger in breathing the air. But the room continued to stink—overcooked chemicals mixed with scorched wood. He was relieved Amy’s flesh had not been touched by the gruesome brew.

His left side was sore but he did not need a hospital. Judging by the damage the vial of liquid had done to the chest of drawers, they were talking about an extremely active acid. The drops that had splashed on his side had burned through his clothing and the top layers of skin. No question he would be left with a few scars. He suspected the drops had been minute, however. A few grams of the stuff probably would have eaten into his internal organs. He wondered who in the world manufactured such corrosive material.

He shuddered to think what would have happened if he’d been one minute late.

Outside, the white car was gone.

No one came to check on all the commotion.

After thirty minutes he was able to coax Amy into their car. She huddled over their son and wept quietly, which he took as a good sign. She was coming out of shock. He loaded their luggage quickly and pulled away with the motel door left open. He felt no need to leave cash to pay for the damage.

He drove two hours farther into Utah. He took only back roads, and knew for a fact they were not being followed. During that time Amy hardly spoke. Then again, what was there to say about the bizarre attack? Yet Matt continued to feel certain it was tied to Kelly’s past. Acid was one of the few things on earth that could have created the type of scars on her abdomen.

Why had this person come after Amy?

What connected Amy to Kelly? Was it him?

Close to midnight he stopped at another motel. He was not exactly sure where they were and didn’t care. Amy continued to hold on to Jimmy as if he were a shield. She no longer pushed Matt away but made it clear she wanted to sleep alone. The room had two beds. He was not surprised when she passed out seconds after lying down. Amy had the unique ability to blot out everything and sleep.

While they slept, Matt took his cell into the bathroom and called Kelly.

“Matt! Where are you?”

He spoke softly. “Are you alone?”

“Yes. I was in bed. Is Amy with you?”

“Yes.”

“Damn.” She sounded disappointed.

“I know what you’re going to say.”

“Does it matter what I say? Half the cops in California are looking for her. Never mind the FBI.”

“We’re not in California.”

“I figured as much. Don’t tell me where you are. I just want to know that you’re all right.”

“We’re fine, for now. But we were attacked this evening.”

“Attacked?”