"Gretchen, open the glove compartment," I instruct, taking my eyes off the road just long enough to see that she complies.
She rummages through the contents of the glove box."What am I looking for?"
"A small black case."I keep my eyes fixed on the winding road ahead as I take yet another hairpin turn at breakneck speed."Should be under the owner's manual."
She rifles through papers and whatnot, then pulls out the slim case with a triumphant, "Got it!"
"Open it."
Inside is a small remote detonator---nothing fancy, just a simple trigger mechanism with a safety switch.I designed it myself for situations exactly like this, though I imagined it would be a party trick, not a life-or-death situation.
"What is this?"Gretchen asks, holding the object delicately between her fingers as if it might bite her.
"It's insurance."I navigate another sharp turn, feeling the SUV's tires grip the edge of the road."When I was surveilling the compound earlier, I placed a few surprises along this road.Just in case."
Archie lets out a low whistle."You clever bastard."
Gretchen's jaw drops.""You planned for this?"
"I always plan for the worst, lass.It's kept me alive this long."I nod toward the detonator."Flip the safety switch and wait for my signal."
The lead sedan is gaining on us, now less than fifty yards behind.The driver knows these roads too well for my liking.Time to even the odds.
"Now?"Gretchen asks, hovering her thumb over the trigger.
"Not yet, lass."I round another sharp turn."Need to time it just right."
I reduce my speed slightly on the next curve, baiting them into closing the gap.The sedan behind us takes the bait, accelerating hard to catch us on the straightaway.
"Now!"I shout.
Gretchen presses the trigger.
The explosion rips through the road behind us, a brilliant flash of orange and red that lights up the darkening sky.Chunks of asphalt and debris rain down as the first sedan swerves wildly, its driver fighting to maintain control on the suddenly disintegrated road.The car slams into the guardrail with a sickening crunch of metal.Its front end crumples like an accordion.
"Holy shite!"Archie yells, his face pressed against the back window."That was bloody amazing!"
"One down," I say, keeping my eyes locked on the road ahead."But we've still got the second car to worry about."
I check the rearview mirror again.The trailing sedan has slowed, cautiously navigating around the smoking wreckage of its companion.They're being smart now, keeping their distance.The driver is probably radioing for backup.I need to inform the authorities of what transpired here.
So, I switch tactics, sliding through an alley that's barely wide enough for our SUV to fit---and head straight for Dùndubhan.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Gretchen
Kirk swerves through several alleys and down multiple streets as he races through Loch Fairbairn at rocket-ship speed.I realize he's convinced we need to get to our destination as quickly as possible, but come on.I'm getting dizzy from the constant high-speed swerving.I feel like I might vomit.No joke.Saliva is creeping up my throat, and I clutch the handle on my door.Maybe I should roll down the window and leap out.
Archie pokes his head up between me and Kirk."Best slow down a wee bit, Mr.Stunt Man.Yer lass looks about to vomit."
"Oh God, yes," I moan."Slow down before I spew."
Kirk immediately eases off the accelerator, his hard expression softening as he glances my way."Sorry, lass.Didnae realize I was pushing it so hard."
The SUV slows to something resembling a normal speed, and I gulp in deep breaths, struggling to settle my churning stomach.My knuckles gradually regain their color as I loosen my death grip on the door handle.
Kirk twists his head to look at me."Are ye all right,gràidh?"
