Chapter 20 – Race Against Time

• The rain was pouring heavily as Serena's car sped through the dark streets toward my kindergarten. Serena drove fast, her knuckles white on the steering wheel. I sat in the passenger seat, my heart hammering wildly. If the police found that box in my office, no one would believe I was innocent. The media would call me a criminal, and Serena's company would collapse instantly.
• 'We have ten minutes before the police arrives,' Serena said, her voice tight with focus. She reached over and squeezed my hand. 'Trust me, Mia. I will not let them take you.'
• We pulled up to the back entrance of the school. The building was dark and silent. Serena and I jumped out of the car, running through the rain. I unlocked the back door with my keys, and we hurried down the quiet corridor to my office. I flipped on the desk light. There, sitting quietly on the carpet under my desk, was the large cardboard box.