ME: Just got here. Figured you’d see me on the security system.
MARSHALL: Was tied up, dealing with a busted pipe.
Well. Guess I won’t have to resist Liberty. I’ll spend the next two days lounging and eating like a king. Sleeping in a big-ass king-size bed with 10,000-thread count cotton sheets that cost more than my entire bedroom set.
I figure all the texts are done, and then I get another notice.
JUSTICE: Thank God you’re there. Liberty should be getting close, but I can’t reach her cell. No service in that area. Worried as hell about her.
I freeze, my lungs seizing up. The bite of cheesecake I just swallowed lodges in my esophagus.
ME: Liberty is driving ALONE in this weather?!?!?!?
JUSTICE: We were supposed to be behind her but the highway is closed and we can’t seem to get around.
Oh shit.
Liberty’s out there in that storm by herself.
JUSTICE: Can you make sure Lib gets inside okay? Storm's getting worse.
ME: I’m worried about her making it here. DOT website says the roads are all being closed in this area.
Justice: FUCK.
ME: Roger that. Fuck is right.
I’m already running for the parking deck.
JUSTICE: Spence? You are going to look out for my sister???? She’s coming in on Route six-one-four from East. Blue 2019, CRV.”
My hand isn’t steady when I type a reply all I can think about is Liberty being in the snow, stranded on the side of the road.
ME: Copy. OTW to search for her.
CHAPTER 2
I can’t even see. Easing my foot off of the gas, I slow the car. Thankfully, I have all-weather tires.This drive would have been impossible without them.
“Getting closer,” I exhale, gripping the wheel too hard.
It’s a really dark night and snowing like mad. My eyes feel like sandpits. My legs ache from being in the same position for hours.
I lean forward, fatigue making me wired but tired.
Is that…?
Yes, that’s the road.
“Whew. I’ll be so glad when this drive is over.”
I’ve resorted to talking to myself.
It’s been a long day with no cell signal for the last couple of hours. Otherwise I would have bent someone’s ear just to have something to do. Rosalie would have chatted since they’re on the road too.
A smile spreads on my road-weary face. It will be awesome to see Justice and Rosalie. The rest of the team too…
But not Spencer McCallister.He’d rather spend Christmas by himself.
