Don't Turn Around by Jessica Barry

Author:Jessica Barry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2020-06-01T16:00:00+00:00

Vaughn, New Mexico—110 Miles to Albuquerque

Cait rubbed at the spot on her collarbone where the seat belt had bitten into the flesh. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the road, or what had been the road a minute ago but was now just an endless sea of black.

“I—I think we’ve lost him.”

She looked over at Rebecca, who was squinting into the side mirror, a pained look on her face. Cait’s eyes followed. There was nothing there now, no sign of the truck’s headlights or the silver gleam of its grille. Just darkness, everywhere, enveloping and terrifying in equal measure.

Cait nodded. “I saw him take 60. He’s heading to Vaughn now.” Just like that, it was over. They’d been spared, at least for now. She turned to Rebecca. “Are you okay?”

“I think so. Are you?”

Cait didn’t answer. How could she possibly be okay? A man had tried to kill them. Again. They may have lost him for now, but chances were good that he’d be back. And deep down, she knew she was the one who was responsible for the whole sorry mess.

“I think I need to pull over for a minute.” She was already easing over onto the shoulder.

Rebecca flinched. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. We should keep going. He could come back . . .”

“I just need a break, just for a second.” Cait pulled the Jeep to a stop.

The two sat in silence. The radio found a signal, and Van Morrison came on, the car suddenly filled with him singing about marvelous nights. Outside, it was pitch black. Cait flicked the headlights back on, and the scarred tarmac reemerged. “I’m going to get out and check the damage,” she said, already tugging on the handle. She was desperate for some air.

Rebecca reached out and grabbed her wrist. “I don’t think you should get out of the car.” In the moonlight, her face looked pale and stricken. “Please.”

Cait shook her off. “I need to see if it’s serious before we get back on the road. What if the fuel line is nicked?”

“He didn’t hit us hard. There’ll be a dent on the bumper, nothing worse. We should keep driving until we get to the next town. It’s too dangerous out here.”

“I just need to get out, okay?” Cait opened the door, trying to hide how badly her hands were shaking. “I need a fucking cigarette.”

“Fine.” Rebecca scrambled for the door handle. “I’m coming, too.”

Cait opened her mouth to protest but closed it again. There was no point in fighting her on it. She probably needed the air, too.

The night air was icy-sharp. Cait tapped out a cigarette and offered her the pack. Rebecca shook her head before changing her mind and taking one for herself. She took a drag and felt something loosen at the back of her skull, just before her stomach turned and she started to cough.

Cait watched her, bemused. “Not a natural smoker.”

“I haven’t done it in years,” Rebecca spluttered.

The two of them smoked in silence, cigarette smoke mixing with the white fog of their hot breath.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.