**Chapter 6: On the Run**

As the taxi cab turned a corner, Ashley's eyes remained fixed on the black SUV, her mind racing with the implications. The taxi driver seemed oblivious to the danger lurking behind them, his eyes focused on the road ahead. Ashley's grip on Ender's hand tightened as she leaned forward, her voice low and urgent. "We have to get out of here," she whispered to the driver. "There's someone following us." The driver's eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror, his expression skeptical. "What are you talking about, kid?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt. Ashley's eyes darted back to the SUV, which was now closing in on them. "Just trust me," she said, her voice firm. "We need to lose them." The driver's expression changed from skepticism to concern as he caught sight of the SUV. He nodded, his eyes scanning the road ahead. "Hold on," he muttered, as he took a sharp turn onto a side street. The taxi cab swerved, throwing Ashley and Ender against the back seat. Ashley's stomach dropped as the driver expertly navigated the narrow streets, dodging pedestrians and cars with ease. The SUV was still behind them, but the driver seemed to be gaining ground. As they careened through the city, Ashley caught glimpses of the taxi driver's face in the rearview mirror. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw set in determination. He was in this now, and he was going to get them out of here. The driver took another sharp turn, this one onto a deserted alleyway. The taxi cab's tires screeched as he braked hard, throwing Ashley and Ender forward. For a moment, they were motionless, the only sound the heavy breathing of the three occupants. And then, the driver spoke, his voice low and urgent. "Get out," he said, his eyes flicking to the rearview mirror. "Now." Ashley didn't hesitate, yanking open the door and pulling Ender out into the night. They stumbled onto the wet pavement, their eyes adjusting to the darkness. The alleyway was deserted, the only sound the distant hum of traffic. As they looked back, Ashley saw the taxi driver expertly maneuvering the cab into a narrow parking space. He killed the engine, his eyes locked on theirs. "You're safe for now," he said, before turning and disappearing into the night. Ashley's eyes lingered on the spot where the driver had vanished, her mind reeling with questions. Who was this man, and why had he helped them? She turned to Ender, her eyes scanning his face for any sign of fear. But to her surprise, he looked calm, his eyes fixed on hers with a sense of determination. "Where are we going now?" he asked, his voice steady. Ashley's eyes scanned the alleyway, her mind racing with possibilities. They couldn't stay here, not for long. Alev's men would be searching for them, and they needed to find a safe place to hide. She took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Ender's. "We're going to find someone who can help us," she said, her voice firm. "Someone who can keep us safe." Ender nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. Together, they set off into the night, their footsteps echoing off the alleyway walls as they disappeared into the darkness.