No Way Out: Ariana Jones, #6

By Stacy Claflin

When an escaped killer stumbles upon a secluded campground, the perfect hideaway becomes a sinister hunting ground…

True-crime podcasters Ariana and Damon Jones seek respite from their rough year with a camping trip in the wilderness. But the solace they hoped would bring peace soon twists into a sinister stage for a deadly game of terror.

A shadowy figure infiltrates the campsite, masquerading as just another camper. The group shrinks as people vanish or show up dead. Cut off from civilization, Ariana and Damon realize they're trapped with a monster, their every move watched by a predator hidden in plain sight.

With suspicion corroding and trust a mere illusion, their professional skills may be their only chance to unmask the predator. But as the body count rises, they must tread carefully, for one wrong decision could mean the difference between life and death. Can Ariana and Damon survive the untamed darkness...or will they become the killer's final trophies?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stacy Claflin
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224261895

Stacy Claflin

Stacy Claflin is a two-time USA Today bestselling author who writes about flawed characters that overcome unsurmountable odds. No matter how dark situations seem, there is always a sliver of hope--even if you have to search far and wide to find it. That message is weaved throughout all of her stories. Decades after she wrote her first tales on construction paper and years after typing on an inherited green screen computer, Stacy realized her dream of becoming a full-time bestselling author.  When she's not busy writing or educating her kids from home, Stacy enjoys time in nature, reading, and watching a wide variety of shows in many genres. Her favorite pastime activity is spending time with her family. Join Stacy's newsletter to get three free novels: https://stacyclaflin.com/newsletter/

Book preview

Chapter One

Having friends on the outside definitely came with its benefits.

Especially now that he was on the outside. The judge had given him three lifetimes in prison with no possibility of parole, yet here he was, outside, breathing in the fresh air of freedom.

Somehow this air was better than what they had in the prison yard—the only place he’d been able to see the sky for the last three years.

Three years of cement walls, slop for food, and having to prove himself as someone the other inmates feared. It was supposed to be the rest of his life, but a complicated and expensive plan had finally landed him here.

A car engine sounded not far away down the road.

He stepped behind the nearest tree and watched with one eye.

A minivan full of kids blew past him. Not his ride. It was the fifteenth car that didn’t match the description.

Maybe something had gone wrong. His ride was supposed to show up within ten minutes of his escape.

He didn’t have a watch, but more than ten minutes had passed. It was pushing a half hour, that much he knew. His internal clock had become a well-oiled machine behind the prison walls.

Could be time to move on with a new plan. He was already free. Nothing else mattered.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

He released a string of profanities.

This was why his ride was supposed to show up within ten minutes. Now the cops knew he’d gotten away.

Every spare officer within a hundred-mile radius would be called to look for him. They’d no doubt bring in the FBI, the CIA, and every other three-letter combination possible. And they wouldn’t rest until they brought him down. Not many other criminals had killed as many people as he had, and the investigators had only found less than half of his handiwork.

Nobody had any idea just how capable of death he actually was. But they knew enough.

More sirens sounded from the other direction.

He didn’t have a ride, but at least he was right next to a massive forest. That would provide cover, shelter, and food. He’d survived in other woods for weeks on end. If nothing else, he was resourceful. Spending so much time on the run left little choice.

Hiding, planning, executing—in more than one way.

He had to get back into that mindset. It would give him enough time to readjust to life on the outside so he could blend back into society. Once he started earning people’s trust again, he could return to his old ways.

An excited shiver ran through him at the thought.

The world was his for the taking.

First he needed a good hiding spot to keep him out of sight for a while. They’d have to give up looking for him at some point, then he’d be ready.

He was already there. In fact, he was more than ready.

And he wasn’t going to waste another moment salivating over the thought of all the destruction at his fingertips.

As more sirens wailed, he darted into the woods.

He wouldn’t make the same mistakes that led to him getting caught last time. He was older, wiser, and had learned from his past errors.

Nobody would lock him behind bars again.

Chapter Two

Ariana checked all the bags in her new Audi SUV. Everything for their getaway was packed and ready to go. She couldn’t wait to hit the road.

Damon wrapped an arm around her. Forget anything?

Nothing. It’s all there and then some.

He kissed her cheek. Perfect. You sure you don’t want to go to a luxury resort instead? At least two still have openings. This isn’t a popular weekend for traveling, apparently.

I’m sure it isn’t. Everyone’s probably waiting for Thanksgiving. Ariana glanced at their yard, which had been covered in Halloween decorations just a week earlier. It was unseasonably warm, and she was already itching to get out of her jacket.

And you want to go camping?

She pulled off her coat then tossed it into the backseat. Yes. We hardly got to go all summer because of everything else going on. Her hand found its way to her belly seemingly on its own. Besides, next year we might not be able to go at all.

He pressed his palm over hers, his eyes lighting with excitement. People go camping with babies all the time. We can go as often as you want.

Ariana could hardly imagine such a trip with a newborn. That’s when she’d most likely crave the ease and amenities of a resort. I want to go now, before I’m exhausted all the time from hormones or sleepless nights. So far, I feel completely normal. Besides, I think it’ll do us both good to get out in nature.

That’s what you keep saying, but room service doesn’t sound so bad to me.

She poked him. You can still say that after everything that happened at Rita’s wedding?

Do you know how rare it is for something like that to happen?

Ari laughed. Of course they both knew all the stats—they not only had a popular true crime podcast but also authored multiple books on personal safety and gave regular talks at schools on the subject. Sometimes it seemed having that stuff constantly on their minds attracted criminals to them.

They’d both already lived through far more than most people. Actually, that was how they originally met. His dad had targeted hers.

She shoved those thoughts from her mind. Camping will be good for us, babe. The fresh air, the views, the walks.

The porta potties, the wild animals, the campfire smoke…

Ariana studied him. Do you really not want to go camping?

"I’m just teasing you. Well, maybe I’m making sure it’s really what you want. I’m happy to just be with you no matter where we are."

Then let’s get going. We need to get there before the ranger station closes. They have limited hours this time of year.

Maybe that’s a hint? The corners of his mouth curved up.

I think it means there are less people, which will make it even more of a getaway. Less chance of people playing loud music all night.

Are you calling us old?

Or we could be the people blasting music into the wee hours.

Now you’re talking. He winked. Do you want me to drive?

I’m pregnant, not incapable.

Just offering to help. We can switch off if you get tired—not that I think you will.

I’ll drive until we stop for a bathroom break. Then you can take over.

Sounds great.

Ariana climbed into the driver’s seat. While starting the car, she glanced over at their newly built house. Hopefully it would still be standing when they returned. They’d already had to start over from scratch after it burned down in the spring.

It would be fine. Rita and Grayson were across the street and promised to keep a close eye on it.

After everything she and Damon had been through this year, her reluctance to leave wasn’t surprising. But she wouldn’t let anyone stop her from enjoying a little time away. It was just what they needed before kicking off the holidays. After all the stress and strain they’d been through, some rest and relaxation in nature would help them recover from all of the year’s events.

Chapter Three

It had been well over an hour since he’d last heard any sirens. He couldn’t let that lull him into a state of false security. It would only be a matter of time before the police started searching the woods for him. Though he hadn’t been directly near them when exiting the transport van, he’d been close enough that even the dumbest cop would figure he went there.

That was why he hadn’t stopped moving since starting his trek. His mouth was parched, and his muscles burned from the constant movement. Sure, he worked out and stayed in shape, but he spent most of his time in a cell. More than other inmates because he had the record for the most days in solitary.

He just couldn’t help getting in trouble, even within the cement walls and behind doors thicker than the warden.

It was a matter of survival. No way would he let anything get in the way of that.

The distance between the trees grew a little wider. Must be coming to a clearing. He slowed his pace. Listened.

Something sounded. Water? Was there a river nearby? Or waterfalls? That seemed more likely given where he’d escaped the van.

He crept along, opening and closing his fists, ready for anything that might come his way. It wasn’t like he’d never fought off wildlife before. Could easily do it again.

The woods opened up, and he hardly believed his eyes.

A campsite. Empty.

He cupped his ears.

Conversation. Far away.

This was better than he hoped for. It was like a gift from above.

He stripped off his jumpsuit, threw it under a bush, then hurried to unzip the tent. Two large duffel bags sat right next to the entrance.

It was certainly his lucky day. He rifled through the nearest one, finding clothes that would fit well enough. Though snug, they would work. Next he opened the cooler and downed a beer. It had been so long since he’d had one of those. It was like manna from heaven.

The conversation, and therefore the people, drew closer.

He swore under his breath, grabbed a few snacks, closed the cooler, then ran from the tent.

Nobody was in sight, but the voices weren’t far.

He darted into the cover of the trees, wolfing down a salami sandwich. Compared to the best prison food, this may as well have been from a five-star restaurant.

How he’d missed life on the outside. His freedom was obvious benefit, but it was the small things that really made the difference. Prison essentials consisted of crappy shampoo and toothpaste. Itchy blankets, flat pillows. It was like everything there was to make them suffer.

Two guys appeared from behind the tent, laughing and joking. They carried fishing poles and buckets. Must’ve secured dinner.

His stomach rumbled at the thought, even though he’d just enjoyed the sandwich. Fresh fish sounded like a dream come true. The last time he’d eaten fish, the filets had been breaded and freezer burned. Probably stored for several years before seeing the oven. No amount of condiments could fix that taste—and not that he’d had a pantry full of sauces to pick from.

He ducked, watching them.

They put everything down near the empty fire pit, not noticing the open tent entrance which faced away from them.

Time to go before they realized they’d been robbed. Those guys would look high and low for the thief, and he didn’t want to be anywhere near them when they did. He stepped back farther into the woods and kept going, grateful for the new clothes and the food.

Maybe there were other crazy campers out this time of year. He’d take all the food he could get, and the more he could split his hauls among different people, the less chance of him getting caught. He’d rather avoid confrontation while the authorities were still hunting him, but he wouldn’t shy away from it if left with no other choice.

He barely made it a few minutes from the two guys’ campsite before smoke tickled his nose carrying the scent of wood and the aroma of something roasting.

It had to be from the guys. They brought fish to their fire pit.

But