'Let's get out of these woods, okay?' Davis said.
'I hear you. I don't necessarily disagree. Last one to the parking lot is dog chow.'
'Not funny. Lieutenant Martha. Bad joke. This is getting a little spooky.'
'I don't know about big cats around these parts, but I think I just spotted a little pussy.'
Another loud growl - and this time it was really close. Right on the heels of the two of them. Gaining ground fast.
'C'mon! Let's go. Let's move it,'said Martha Wiatt. She was a little afraid now, running as fast as she could, and that was very fast.
Another eerie growl pierced the gathering fog.
Alex Cross 7 - Violets Are Blue
Chapter Three
Lieutenant Martha Wiatt had definitely picked up her pace. She put some distance between herself and Davis. It wasn't that hard. She did triathlons for fun. He worked behind a desk, though God knows, he certainly looked good for an accountant.
'C'mon, c'mon. Keep up with me, Davis. Don't fall back,'she called over her shoulder.
Her boyfriend for the past year didn't answer. Well, that settled any future debate about who was in better shape, who was the real athlete. Of course, Martha had known that all along.
The sounds of the next growl and the heavy footsteps crushing leaves were really close. They were catching up to her.
But what was catching up to her?
'Martha! There's something behind me. Oh God! Run! Run, Martha!' Davis shouted. 'Get the hell out of here!'
Adrenaline charged through her. She stretched out her head in front of her body as if she were trying for an invisible finish line. Her arms and legs moved in synch like efficient pistons. She leaned her weight forward, the way all good runners do.
She heard screams behind her and looked back - but she couldn't see Davis anymore. The screams were so terrifying that she almost stopped running. But Davis had been attacked by something vicious. Martha rationalized that she had to get help. The police. Somebody.