**Chapter 8: Under Siege**

Nicole's heart was racing as she hit the floor, her eyes fixed on the shattered window. Lena was already moving, scrambling to get them to safety. She pulled Rachel and Nicole into a small pantry off the kitchen, slamming the door shut behind them. "We have to get out of here, now," Lena said, her voice low and urgent. "My place isn't safe anymore." Rachel was already on her feet, her eyes locked on Lena's. "Where can we go?" she asked, her voice firm. Lena hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around the small space. "I have a friend who lives on the outskirts of town," she said finally. "She has a cabin that's off the grid, and it's the only place I can think of that might be safe." Nicole's mind was racing as she followed Lena and Rachel out of the pantry. They moved swiftly through the house, grabbing a few essential items as they went. Lena tossed a small bag over her shoulder, and Rachel grabbed a handful of cash from the counter. As they emerged from the back door, Nicole caught a glimpse of the SUV, its occupants milling around the front of the house. She felt a jolt of fear, but Lena's grip on her arm kept her moving. They sprinted across the backyard, dodging low-hanging branches and leaping over a small stream that ran through the property. The trees seemed to close in around them, casting deep shadows that made it hard to see. As they emerged into a small clearing, Nicole saw a rusty old truck parked at the edge of the woods. Lena tossed her bag into the back and gestured for them to get in. Rachel hesitated, her eyes locked on the truck. "Is this safe?" she asked, her voice skeptical. Lena's face was grim. "It's better than walking," she said. "We have to get out of here, now." Nicole didn't hesitate. She scrambled into the back of the truck, followed by Rachel. Lena leapt into the driver's seat, turning the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, and they lurched forward, speeding away from the house. As they bounced along the dirt road, Nicole caught a glimpse of the SUV in her rearview mirror. It was gaining on them, its tires screeching as it took the curves. Lena's face was set, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "Hold on," she said, her voice tight. "We're not out of this yet." The truck fishtailed on a particularly sharp curve, and Nicole's stomach dropped. She grabbed onto the seat, her knuckles white. Rachel's voice was calm, but Nicole could sense the fear beneath. "Lena, how much farther?" Lena's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, and she gritted her teeth. "Not much," she said. "Just a few more miles." The SUV was closing in, its horn blaring as it pulled alongside the truck. Nicole felt a jolt of fear, but Lena didn't flinch. She kept her eyes on the road, her foot pressing down on the accelerator. The truck surged forward, and for a moment, they left the SUV in the dust. But Nicole knew it wouldn't last. They had to get to the cabin, and fast. Coop's men wouldn't give up easily.