Alexa's POV

I ran faster through the trees. I could hear the police sirens behind me, getting closer. I ran faster still. A river stretched in front of me, so I climbed a tree and jumped into it. Now the squids' police wolves couldn't track me. I knew I would be safe about a mile away. I swam a bit, but then decided it would be easier to let the current push me along.

When I got to my destination, I climbed onto the riverbank. I could see our camp in front of me – The sleeping bags on the ground, the campfire pit, and the brambles that formed a semi-wall around our clearing. And I also saw Mitch.

Mitch Hughes and Jerome Aceti were my two closest friends, but I had had a crush on Mitch for a while now. He saw me come out of the river, and ran over. I was suddenly given a bear hug that made my heart flutter. I noticed a gash on his cheek.

"Whoa, what happened?" I asked.

"Pulaski had a switchblade – she found me when I went to get food." He explained. "But the important thing, Lex, is that you're safe."

Seargent Ginger Pulaski was a ruthless member of the SPF (Squid Police Force) that was more of a hired assassin than a keeper of the peace. I had lost many of the people I loved at her hands, like my Aunt Sophia or my cousin, Marian.

"Wait a minute," I asked. "Where is Jerome?"

"I – I don't know." Mitch answered. I could tell he was holding back tears.

"I'll give you a hint," someone called. "I'm up in this tree right here." Jerome jumped from the large oak to our left and landed behind Mitch. "I've been up there for half an hour. You didn't notice." He laughed.

Mitch's face got red, like it did whenever he was angry. An evil smile played on his lips. "Hey Jerome, guess what I do to mean men who worry their best friends sick?" he asked.

"What?" replied Jerome. Mitch grabbed him in a headlock and gave him a noogie. "I give them NOOGIES!" Mitch announced. Jerome started yelling about how Mitch was ruining his hair and swearing in Italian. Just then, I thought I heard something.

"Guys, shut up!" I commanded. They froze. Then I saw it: the derpy eyes, the blue tentacles, the pistol aimed at Mitch's head. There was a SQUID in our river!

"GET DOWN!" I yelled, tackling Mitch and Jerome. The squid's bullet zoomed over our heads. Ginger Pulaski emerged from the woods, firing her own gun. I felt a pain in my foot and realized that she had shot me. I had to give Jerome some credit; he had managed to grab the food and a first-aid kit. Mitch picked me up, bridal-style, and they took off at a run.

"You'll be okay Lexi," he whispered to me. He was crying; I knew because some of the tears had fallen on my face. "You'll be okay." He repeated.

I believed him at that moment, I knew that if Mitch Hughes said I would be fine, then I would be. I knew I was going to pass out, and I did. My final thought before the world went black?

How did they find us?