章 31: Chapter 31: Under Eden Part 2

Outside Apple Mire Suites, everything passed in a surreal frame. Jess had become an adept runner, long ago, but turned frigid at every thought of being chased. Escaping New Sumer, the basic idea, had yet to register; it weakened her steps into the darker street corners. She had more hopes than people she could trust. Just like how they reached Eva, Goliath could reach anyone and everyone else. She was lucky, though. Eva played the hero through a selfless phone call warning. Another friend who kept her safe. By now there was a list of them, and it included the girls at her back.

The three young women proceeded carefully and vigilantly through the village corners outside the city proper. Jessica set the pace of their quiet trek down the shadows. A few dog-walkers and evening lanterns populated the area, but there was zero security. Hence, they trekked on despite no destination.