Chapter One
April 14
Leaf Brook Mall
Westchester County, New York
Wrong place. Wrong time.
She had to get out of here.
Julia gritted her teeth as she fought the crowd surging back and forth through
the mall. She shoved her way to the door leading to the twelve-story parking
garage. Wall-to-wall people. Everything was called a grand opening. This felt
more like Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Coming here today had been stupid. The Stratfords were enveloped by spectators,
surrounded by members of the press. And the mayor was flanked by his father and
brother a clear message that the Stratfords represented a unified front. Even
Julia's desperation hadn't been enough to get her through. She'd have to find
another way.
Taking an elevator wasn't an option. There was already a huge line waiting, and
as each car opened, Julia could see they were all filled to capacity. The
stairwell wasn't much better, but it was her only choice. She scaled each level
as quickly as she could, wincing as the deejay's music rocked the concrete walls
and vibrated through her head.
Eventually, the throngs of people began to thin out and the music started to
fade as she put more distance between herself and ... read full excerpt from No Way Out ebook