She checked her rear-view mirror again and there it was: The beige Mercedes-Benz had been on her tail since Gera. Inside were two men. Secret police, judging from how hard they tried to look inconspicuous. She was afraid but also weirdly relieved that it had not been paranoia after all.
“How much longer?” the girl on the backseat yawned.
“Don’t worry, sweetie. It’ll be fine,” Nora replied, more to herself, and changed lanes without signaling. The Mercedes followed suit.
“Whatever happens, remember that I’ll always look after you, okay?” she said and waited for the girl’s reply.
Seconds passed in silence.
She had to make her move soon.
“Okay,” a faint voice replied and with that Nora stepped on the gas, as did her pursuer. She zig-zagged between the other cars, then abruptly swung the wheel around at the last moment to still catch the exit to Apolda. The Mercedes Benz didn’t quite make it. Close behind she heard metal screech and glass shatter but kept her eyes on the road, her knuckles white.
“You killed them!” the girl screamed as she looked back, “You’re just like them! You killed them!” Over and over.
Nora didn’t say anything. She knew the girl was right. But she had made her decision. As fast as a whip, she ripped off the rear-view mirror. The screaming stopped. There was no more looking back.