**Chapter 8: Desperate Escape**

The cool night air hit them like a slap in the face as they landed hard on the damp grass outside the pool house. Andrew quickly scrambled to his feet, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of Judd. Nick was right behind him, his breathing ragged and his eyes wide with fear. "Come on," Andrew whispered, grabbing Nick's arm and pulling him towards the trees that lined the edge of the property. They had to get out of sight, and fast. The last thing they needed was for Judd to spot them making a run for it. As they stumbled through the darkness, the trees seemed to close in around them, casting long, ominous shadows on the ground. Andrew's heart was racing, his senses on high alert. He could feel Judd's presence, could sense the malevolent energy emanating from him like a dark cloud. They moved as quickly and quietly as possible, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth. But Andrew knew it was only a matter of time before Judd picked up their trail. He was relentless, and he wouldn't stop until he had caught them. After what felt like an eternity, they reached the edge of the property and saw the lights of the nearby town twinkling in the distance. Andrew's heart lifted with hope. If they could just make it to the town, they would be safe. They could find help, and Judd wouldn't be able to find them. But as they emerged from the trees, Andrew saw a figure standing in the shadows, watching them. His heart skipped a beat as he realized it was Mrs. Birch, her eyes fixed on them with a mixture of concern and fear. "What's going on?" Andrew whispered, his eyes locked on hers. Mrs. Birch hesitated, her gaze darting back and forth between the two boys. "I have to get you out of here," she said finally, her voice low and urgent. "Judd's not going to stop until he finds you. I can help you, but you have to trust me." Andrew exchanged a skeptical glance with Nick, but something about Mrs. Birch's words resonated with him. He nodded, and Mrs. Birch led them towards a small car parked on the side of the road. As they piled in, Andrew couldn't shake the feeling that they were taking a huge risk. Who was Mrs. Birch, really? And what did she want from them? But for now, they had no other choice. They had to trust her, and hope that she would lead them to safety. As they sped away from the property, Andrew glanced back in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see Judd's angry face staring back at him. But the road behind them was empty, and for a moment, Andrew felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they would make it out of this alive.