Heather's POV:

My head spun as Keegan wove the disturbing tale of Ian's - no, Richard's - true identity and motives. The friend I had trusted so implicitly was merely using me as a pawn in some toxic feud with Lucas. And now he was regaining dangerous lucidity in the backseat, malice smoldering in his eyes.

"Just focus on the road ahead," I told Keegan, trying to ignore Richard's presence behind us. I clutched Alex's hand like a lifeline. We were so close now to real freedom. I refused to let Richard's poisonous schemes drag us back under. Not this time. 

Alex gave my hand a determined squeeze, meeting my...