Chapter 19 · Mom Left a Tape

The footsteps stopped right outside the door.

Layla's breath caught. She couldn't move. Couldn't think past the hammering in her chest and the way her skin still buzzed from almost shifting in the truck. Cain was already moving. Silent. He crossed the motel room in three steps and pressed his back against the wall beside the door, one hand hovering near the knife on his belt.

A key scraped in the lock.

Layla's mom pushed through the door fast, eyes wide and red-rimmed. She had a duffel bag slung over one shoulder and her hands were shaking so bad the keys clattered when she dropped them. She saw Layla and froze. Her mouth opened but nothing came out.

"Mom."

Her mom's face crumpled. She shut the door and locked it. Checked the chain twice. Then she crossed the room and grabbed Layla by the shoulders. Her fingers dug in too hard.

"You shouldn't be here." Her voice cracked. "I told you to stay away."

"You stopped answering." Layla pulled back. "Derek was following you. I saw the photo."

Her mom flinched at the name. She glanced at Cain, still standing by the door. "Who's he?"

"Someone helping me."

"Helping.