A low, mechanical whir began to cut through the night air above them.
At first it was distant, almost swallowed by the rush of wind against the moving car. Then it grew louder—closer—unmistakable.
The driver stiffened and glanced into the rearview mirror. His face drained of color.
"It's a helicopter," he said hoarsely.
The whirring intensified as a powerful searchlight suddenly sliced across the highway, illuminating the black sedan in a stark beam of white.
"It's the police!" the driver shouted, panic overtaking him. "They're tailing us!"
The car swerved slightly as he instinctively jerked the steering wheel. Tires screeched against asphalt before he regained control.
Hua Ling turned her head slowly and looked up through the side window at the looming shadow overhead. Instead of fear, a manic grin spread across her face.
"Ha… ha… ha…" Her laughter rose, sharp and breathless. "Step on it! Don't let them catch us! Step on it!"
