I looked through the windshield and saw Caspian still passed out in the passenger seat. The shattering glass hadn’t stirred him. I had locked the car when I got out, but clearly these guys weren’t against breaking windows. Something told me Caspian was in on this, though, and would be okay. It was me they were after.

Tire Iron had reached the front of the car and was coming around, now less than ten feet away. Decision time had arrived: fight or flee. I’m not one to run from trouble, but that’s exactly what I chose to do. And it was the first of many mistakes I made.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

The road was four lanes of tar that disappeared into darkness. I’ve never been much of a runner, nor am I in very good shape, but I figured all I had to do was stay ahead of these lumbering idiots until I could flag down a car. One was destined to drive by sooner or later. It was strange one hadn’t already, although I’m no longer surprised.

I peeked over my shoulder after going twenty feet or so. Wrench was walking slowly, but Tire Iron had picked up his pace. That was okay, I could cut over to the other side of the highway if I had to. I was high on adrenaline and knew it would give me the energy I needed to elude these old men until they gave up, or their aging hearts did. No way they wanted to run around all night either.

A shadowy figure emerged from the side of the road up ahead. He was hunched over and holding something beside him. I couldn’t see it clearly, but it had a long shaft that came to a sharp point. If I had to bet, I’d say it was a machete. Or something similar. I slowed just a bit, and heard the crunch of Tire Iron’s feet quicken behind me.

“Here I come, big boy,” Tire Iron said with his dopey snicker. “I got you now!”