Chapter 13: The Christmas Countdown

The snowflakes began to fall more rapidly, whirling about Holly as she and Nick ran through the grounds of the mansion, full of snow. The world seemed to stop to watch, giving it a heavy silence broken only by the crunch of their footsteps and howls of the wind at a distance. Holly felt the weight of the letters pressed against her chest, the treasure that she had fought hard for. But now, it was not just about the letters. It was about staying ahead of Evelyn, who would not stop until she had what she wanted.

They headed down toward the worn stone gate near the estate boundary, where there was a waiting car, cut through by glints of the headlights piercing darkness. Holly's heartbeat pounded in her chest as she glanced back and saw no sight of Evelyn as yet, although she knew how soon it was going to return to the way.

"Nick, we have to get to the press," Holly said breathlessly as she ran. "We have to get this story out before it's too late."

Nick nodded with determination on his face. "I have a contact at the Daily Chronicle," he said. "I'll send them the details as soon as we are in the car.

They reached the car, and Holly quickly opened the door, sliding in as Nick followed her. The driver, a tall man in a black suit, tipped his hat but said nothing. He didn't need to. He knew where they were headed.

The car sped off into the night, the tires screeching on the snow-covered road. Holly sat back into the seat, trying to get her heart rate under control. Adrenaline from their escape was still pumping through her system, though. She couldn't think about Evelyn and that cold calculating facade she used; the way everything had been played out, a game designed to trap all of them within. She'd never really been concerned with the legacy, just with the power and control that went with it.

Holly curled her fingers around the letters in her lap. She hadn't read them yet-didn't want to until they were safe. The world needed to know about Victor Noel's family, about their hidden kindness, about the lives they had touched. It was more than just a story; it was a message. A message that could change everything.

But time was running out.

We are almost there," Nick said, his voice bursting through Holly's thoughts. "I will have them call the police too. Evelyn won't get away with this."

Holly looked back at him, her face tense with concern. "I don't trust her. She's far too dangerous. She has already tried to stop us once. Who knows what she will do next?

Nick's jaw tensed, but he said nothing more. The car sped through the city streets, the skyline just rising into view in the distance. Holly leaned forward, trying to peer through the darkness.

And then, just as the lights of the city began to come into view, the car skidded to a halt.

"What's going on?" Holly asked, her heart rising into her throat.

The driver didn't respond. Instead, he pulled the car to the side of the road and cut the engine. Holly's pulse quickened.

"Get out," the driver said, his voice low, his eyes darting to the rearview mirror. "There's no time to explain. Go."

"What are you talking about?" Nick demanded, his hand already reaching for the door. But the driver didn't respond. He simply opened his door and stepped out.

Holly shot a look at Nick. Something was off. They couldn't be here. Not with Evelyn searching for them.

"Get in the back," Holly whispered to Nick, her voice tight. "I'll keep watch. We have to move now."

Nick didn't argue. He climbed into the backseat, pulling the letters out of his coat pocket. Holly's mind was racing. Who could they trust now? Was the driver involved with Evelyn? Or was he just trying to protect them?

The car engine roared back to life, and they kept driving down the street. Holly kept her eyes locked on the rearview mirror, scanning the deserted streets, her breath fogging up the window as the city's lights reflected off the glass. They were so close now. They could make it to the press office and get their story out and then

A sudden flash of headlights blinded her. Holly skipped a beat, her heart dropping as she smashed on the brakes. It didn't matter anyway.

The car that had been tailgating them hit the side of their vehicle with a violent crash. Holly's head snapped back against the seat, the world spinning as she gasped for air. For a moment, everything was a blur—a cacophony of noise and confusion. And then, as the car came to a stop, there was only silence.

Holly's pulse pounded in her ears as she turned to Nick, who was already climbing out of the backseat. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice shaking.

Nick nodded, but his face was pale. "We need to get out of here. Now."

The driver was already on the ground, unconscious or worse. The other car had come to a stop just a few feet away, its engine still running.

Holly scanned around frenetically. Not now, sitting here and waiting for the cops to arrive would not do; especially with Evelyn that close by.

"Alright," Holly stated firmly, a bit of desperation clawing into her chest for the sake of what was occurring. "Time to run out of here, let's do this."

They both bolted from the car, rushing into the darkness, leaving behind the wrecked vehicle. Holly’s breath came in short gasps as they ran, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the snow. She didn’t look back.

“We can’t keep running forever,” Nick said, his voice strained as he pulled ahead of her.

“I know,” Holly said through clenched teeth. “But we’re not giving up. Not now.”

They reached the edge of the city, and Holly’s eyes locked onto the looming silhouette of a nearby building. The press office was just ahead, hidden among the towering skyscrapers. They were almost there.

Suddenly, a shout echoed behind them. “Holly!”

Holly turned in shock, her heart in her throat. Evelyn’s voice.

Without thinking, Holly grabbed Nick’s arm and yanked him toward the building. “We can’t stop. We’re so close.”

The two of them rushed into the press office, throwing themselves through the doors. Holly's pulse jumped in her throat as they slammed them shut behind them, panting and out of breath.

"Where is she?" the editor-in-chief of the Daily Chronicle asked, his eyes opening wider as he took in their frantic state. "What happened?"

"Where's the printer?" Holly demanded. "We need to get this story out. Now.

The editor hesitated, but Holly's urgency was enough to nod. "Over there. Hurry."

Holly and Nick walked to the printer, hands shaking as they inserted the letter with all details about Victor Noel's family, the treasure, and Evelyn's betrayal. Paper whirred to life; Holly felt a first glimmer of relief.

But as the first page printed, a cold realization sank in.

They were not safe by a long shot.