This Heart of Mine. Brenda Novak

Tristan shouted. “He’s gonna crash into us!”

      Phoenix was too focused on her son to explain. “You have to let me out.”

      “No way,” Jake said. “That’s what he wants. Then he could do anything.”

      This was so dangerous. She was terrified that Jake or his friend would get hurt—because of her. “Stop now. Please!”

      Her son’s eyebrows jerked together. He was obviously thinking fast, trying to decide the best course of action. But she just wanted to get him and Tristan out of this situation as soon as possible, before something tragic could occur. “What will you do?” he asked, sounding torn.

      “Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

       “Against someone like that?”

      Buddy tapped their rear bumper, giving them a small jolt.

      “I don’t want you in the middle of this!” Phoenix cried. “Do what I say! Now!”

      “No!” he snapped, suddenly adamant. But they’d reached town. He had to brake at the light, so she released her seat belt and jumped out, not even trying to take the backpack that held her laptop and purse.

      “Mom!” Jacob tried to stop her but she slipped out of his grasp.

      “Get out of here!” she yelled back. “Go home!”