I took a deep breath, slowly backing towards the doorway. When Amy and Mack focused on Tim when he stepped in between them, I turned and ran. I heard a voice behind me cry out, “Carlie, no!” But I paid no heed. I ran, faster and faster with each passing long step. Behind me I heard feet hitting the floor- sneakered and barefoot. Running faster, I saw the front door ad ran at it, in the last second sliding to the left through and open doorway.“Shit!” I yelled as I realized that doorway was stairs. I crashed, feet first, down the stairs, landing at the botton not being able to feel my leg. “We have got to put a gate there.” I heard someone remark, and, bititng back a scream as I did so, I slammed my back against the wall, examining the my left leg. Whenever I touched it, flaming pain shot up and down my calf.

Feet on the stairs made me look up and shrink back against the wall when I saw Amy. I had liked her from the start, but… Something was off with me, that made me unnaturally wary. I heard her sigh.