Chapter 24
Sky
Nothing to lose, I Googlenuclear waste facilitiesand the town of Canonsburg, PA pops up. I relay the information to the team and soon, Brennan and I race west on I-78 in pursuit of a tractor trailer. When the license plate comes into view, Dean drives onto the curb alongside the vehicle and honks his horn.
A wild-eyed Charlie rolls down the window, cups her mouth, and shouts, “The truck is driving itself.”
We make her repeat the phrase a couple more times before explaining her situation to the others.
“I was afraid of this. An AI device has control.” How the hell Dean’s geeky brother remains so calm is beyond my ken. Perhaps he’s not human either.
“No way.”
In the middle of my mini-meltdown, Cole Brennan sighs. “AI-controlled trucks have been around for some years now. Companies are waiting for the laws to catch up with technology.”
The truck swerves about in the heavier traffic, and Deans curses. “Can you tap into the software?”
“Yes, but it might take me a few.” At his reluctant tone, my driver scoffs.
“C’mon man. You saved the whole fucking internet. Breaking into a small trucking company shouldn’t be so hard.” Teasing while driving, Dean shoots between a Subaru and a two door coupe.
“I’m already inside their cloud but taking control of the truck’s a bit more complex. Shut up and let me do what I do.”
Waiting for the genius to perform his miracles, my young friend leans out the semi’s window and screams for help.
“Dammit, Dean, get us closer, I need to talk to her.”
“Can we access her Citizen’s Band radio?” Brows furrowed, knuckles white, he follows the nuclear bomb on wheels as I look it up on the internet.
Soon, I download an app on my cellphone and broadcast over the airwaves. “Charlie, pick up your mic.”
A few frequencies later, the SUV’s speakers squeal, and the teen’s scared voice blasts out at full volume. “Sky, it’s me. Can you stop the truck?”
“Drac is working on it. Over.”
When the diesel engine coughs and her vehicle accelerates, she squeaks. “I’m not going to make it. I’m going to jump.”
“No. Don’t. We’re almost to you.” I glance over at Dean.
Sweat running off his forehead, he shakes his head, no.
“Oh, sweet Jesus, I’m going to plow into someone any second.” As she screams, I swallow hard, tap the man driving and pray.
“She’s losing it. You need to get me onboard.”
“What? Are you nuts?” Mouth grim, his eyes stay glued to the road, but I know I can do this.
“Please. Just this once, trust me.” Determined, I clutch the passenger side door handle, and inch out. While I envision jumping, he speeds up until our BMW’s a foot from the cab’s step.
“Babe. I love you. Don’t screw this up.”Holy crap. It’s a hell of a time for him to drop theL word.
“I got this and right back atcha.” Turning from him, I focus on the grab handle inches from my fingers, then shout, “Now, Charlie, now. Open the door.”
As it swings free, I leap over the racing pavement and clamp onto the metal bar with both hands. My feet slip out from under me, and I fear I may fall until the teen snatches my waistband. After she tugs me inside, I fall on top of her. Panting, we simply stare because it’s amazing I’m not roadkill.
“Holy shit, Wonder Woman. You did it.” She hugs me.
Shaking, I snatch the CB microphone and press the red button. “I’m in. Over.”
