Chapter 22

Chapter 22
THE FALL INTO THE WATER

Point of View: Luna Hart

We plummet toward the shadowy river below as the automobile smashes through the rail. The world spins, the city lights blurring, and my scream clings to my throat. White-faced, Mr. Cole clings to the wheel while shouting something I can't understand over the wind. With trembling arms and rapid breathing in my ear, my mother cradles me in her arms. This isn't fun, but my stomach flips like when you jump too high. With a loud splash, we hit the water, causing the car to shake violently and letting cold water in through the windows. My hands are wet and freezing, and my heart is pounding. I gasp as the water quickly rises to my knees.

"Wait a minute!" Over the splashing, Mr. Cole shouts loudly. When he kicks his door, the water pushes on it, preventing it from opening. With slick fingertips, my mother unbuckles her seatbelt and reaches for me. Her voice is trembling but firm as she adds, "Luna, we must leave."

My teeth chatter from the cold as I nod. My legs are numb from the dark, frigid water that is already waist deep. My door is also stuck when I push it. Red from trying, Mr. Cole climbs to the back. He points at the rear window and says, "The window." He takes a tiny instrument, resembling a hammer, out of his pocket and breaks the glass. With a loud crack, it breaks, sending fragments into the ocean.

"First, Mom," he adds, assisting her in getting through. With a fearful yet affectionate gaze, she squeezes my hand. After whispering, "I'll see you outside," she disappears into the water.

I saw her arms swimming and her head bobbing up. The water pulls at me as the automobile lowers farther and reaches my chest. Mr. Cole takes hold of my arm. "It's your turn, Luna," he says firmly.

Glass scrapes my palms as I crawl through the smashed window, but I don't mind. I gasp as the coolness of the water strikes me like a slap. I try to swim by kicking hard and waving my arms. My mother grabs my hand and lifts me up. "I understand you," she adds in a coughing, damp voice.

The water tugs at us as we swim to the shore, but we persevere. My breath is short and my legs are burning. Mr. Cole is splashing loudly behind us. When we get to the muddy bank, I grab grass with my hands and pull myself out. My mother supports me, holding me tightly as we both fall to the ground and gasp for air. Behind us, the automobile sinks, and the water bubbles up.

Mr. Cole emerges with a pale complexion and damp hair. He coughs up water and says, "Is everyone okay?"

My teeth chatter as I nod. "Yes," I reply in a low voice. My mother, trembling from the cold, gives me a tighter hug.

On the bridge above, police sirens blare and lights flash. I know Ethan is still out there even if his automobile is gone. Mr. Cole waves his arms while standing on unsteady legs. "Come down here!" he shouts.

With their flashlights shining, police officers sprint down the bank. One wraps blankets around us to help us up. "You're safe now," he says in a gentle tone.

They lead us to a warm car with hot air blown by the heater. My mother's icy yet firm fingers grip my hand. Beside us, Mr. Cole sits with a solemn expression. His voice is low as he says, "We need to talk." "Almost everything."

My throat tightens as I nod. I am no longer able to hide. With the city lights flashing, the police take us to a station. I feel a little safer even though my clothing is wet and sticking to me. We're united, and my mom is still living. However, Ethan and Victoria continue to pursue Hart Global.

We have hot chocolate while sitting in a cozy area at the station. A policewoman with her notebook openly answers inquiries. Her eyes are compassionate as she says, "Who chased you?"

In a harsh voice, Mr. Cole tells her about Ethan and Victoria. My mother adds, in a weak voice, about hiding. I listen while keeping my hands around my cup and remaining silent. Nodding, the policewoman writes quickly. "We'll locate them," she declares. "This place is safe for you."

I hope she's correct. The hot chocolate makes me drowsy, and my eyes sag. My mother gives me a warm embrace. "Luna, rest," she murmurs.

I lean on her and close my eyes. The officers are whispering outside as the room is silent. I dream about my mother's smile and the picture of the locket, but I'm startled when Ethan's sour face appears.

My mother is beside me when I wake up the following morning in a tiny bed at the station. Mr. Cole has left and is speaking with the police. A policeman brings breakfast, which consists of toast and eggs, as my stomach rumbles. He smiles and says, "Eat up."

My hands are steady now while I eat. My mother gazes at me with gentle eyes. She squeezes my hand and says, "We'll be fine."

With a lighter heart, I nod. Then Mr. Cole enters, his expression solemn. His voice is low as he replies, "They caught Victoria." "However, Ethan escaped."

My stomach turns. There is still Ethan out there. With her notebook closed, the policewoman enters. You are free to return home, she says. "But be careful."

With the sun shining brightly, Mr. Cole takes us back to the penthouse. The city appears normal, but I sense that people are watching me. With her hand in mine, my mother sits beside me. "Let's hide," she murmurs. "With each other."

My heart is heavy, but I nod. We enter the penthouse as the doors loudly lock. Mr. Cole looks at me with gentle eyes. He says, "I'm sorry about Ethan, Luna." "He's wrong, but he's my brother."

My throat tightens as I nod. "I understand."

The food is warm in my stomach while we have lunch in silence. I smile when my mom shares anecdotes from my early years. With a less icy expression, Mr. Cole listens. I'm temporarily at ease.

Mr. Cole's face turns pale as he reads the buzzing message on his phone. "What?" My heart is pounding, I ask.
He displays the screen to me, a photo of my best friend Mia with her eyes bound up and terrified. Below it was the message: You got away, Luna. Your pal didn't, though. Come b
y yourself, or she will leave.
My heart stops. Mia.