His mind raced. That gas station they’d passed couldn’t be more than three or four miles back. Or was it more? He wasn’t sure.

Then another thought stabbed him. I forgot to fill the emergency gas can in the back the last time we stopped! Dammit!

He was struck by another fact—they hadn’t encountered a single vehicle the entire time they’d been on this road.

Kevin noticed the AAA decal on the lower corner of the windshield. Leo, or his dad, whoever, was a member. He reached for his phone to call the number for emergency roadside assistance.

His heart sank. His display told him he was in a no-service area.

He cursed again, then looked at Sam.

She’s going to kill me.

He put his phone in his pocket and dragged his hands over his face.

Okay, the solution is simple. Walk to the gas station. It couldn’t take more than an hour. Maybe I’ll get lucky and get a ride.

He looked at Sam, still sound asleep.

She needed sleep.

If he woke her to their situation, she’d freak out. She’d walk with him, but she’d be upset about leaving her stuff—her mother’s ashes. She’d carry the urn and likely scream at him all the way. He was already in hot water with her for coming this way.

This is shaping up to be a disaster. I’m screwed no matter what I do.

Okay, he had no choice. He’d walk to the gas station alone. If he left now and got a ride he could—if all went well—be back before she woke.

Who am I kidding? She’ll wake before I get back.

He’d leave her a note.

Searching around, he found a pad and pen with logos from a comic book store in the driver’s door storage compartment. When he’d finished writing, he folded the note so it protruded from one of the air vents in front of Sam. He was grateful that she always traveled with her door locked. Then as quietly as possible, he slipped from the driver’s seat, locked his door, and closed it without making a sound.

He got the empty gas can from the bed of the truck and walked fast.

It was well into the afternoon, still light, but the dense woods made everything darker. The air was heavy with a sharp, sweet, piney smell. A series of loud caws echoed from the treetops as a crow patrolled overhead. Kevin crested a hill and turned for one last glance of the distant pickup.

Is this the right thing to do?

He stared at the truck. A wisp of guilt coiled in his conscience as he turned away from the pickup and continued walking to the gas station. For a fleeting moment, he imagined Sam pleading, Don’t leave me alone here. Please don’t leave me.

CHAPTER 2