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“Just keep breathing, okay?”

Alex nodded, the paper bag rustling as it scrunched and uncrunched with every breath she took. Her eyes, trained intently on Morgan, looked scared, but she said a quiet, “I’m okay.”

“I think I’m the one with the medical degree.” Morgan smiled, taking her wrist and counting her pulse.

“You do as you’re told,” Francine piped up, a warning tone Alex had heard before.

“I need some…some fresh air.”

Morgan reached across and pressed the button that would buzz the window open, putting her face as close to Alex’s as she dared. “Just breathe, okay.”

Alex nodded.

“I’ll see what’s happening,” Francine said. “Mike? Can we move yet?”

“It might be a while,” he replied back.

“I need to get out,” Alex insisted. “This feels too… I need to get out.”

Morgan glanced out of the back window. Other motorists were climbing out of their cars and talking to each other, arms folded against chests, phones to ears. “If you do, people are going to be interested. A car like this, with blacked-out windows means someone potentially interesting, and you are that person. They’ve got phones, and you know it means your picture will be all over the news later, and the fact it’s a crash on the motorway, and you’re here—” Morgan was explaining when Francine chipped in.

“It’ll be the very thing we’ve been trying to avoid.”

Morgan nodded. “Yes, and if you have a further panic attack out there…” She reached back over Alex and pressed the window button up when someone wandered past and glanced in.

“Okay…” Alex managed. She smiled when she felt Morgan’s fingertip rub against the back of her hand.

“I’m here. Francine’s here. Nothing is going to happen to you that we can’t deal with. Mike will have us out of here the moment it’s safe to do so.”

The sound of sirens approaching meant Alex tensed up. She grabbed Morgan’s hand and squeezed. “I’m okay. I’m okay.” She repeated it like a tune as the noise got louder and louder before passing them on the hard shoulder. “I’m okay.” Her eyes closed, focused on just breathing.

“That’s it. It’s all okay,” Morgan said again before turning to Francine. “Do we have anything to eat?”

“Eat?”

“Yes, food, lunch. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving, and a sugar hit might be quite good for all of us right now.” Morgan smiled at the P.A. “You did organise snacks, right?”

“Of course, I organised snacks,” Francine replied indignantly, as Morgan noticed the crease of a smile appear on Alex’s face. She looked amused by her friend’s reaction to the idea she was incompetent in the snacks department.

“Well, what have we got?” Morgan pushed, wanting to keep Alex’s attention on anything but the predicament they were in. “We might as well have a picnic while we sit here.”

Francine huffed, but leaned over and opened the small cupboard door, pulling out what looked like a cool bag. She unzipped the top until it opened fully and revealed paper-wrapped items that Morgan hoped would be a sandwich.

“I ordered six subs, various fillings.” She lifted the first and turned it over in her hand to read the label. “Chutney, cheddar and green leaves.” Placing that one back down, shereached for another. “Maple bacon, brie and cranberry.” She was about to take the next one out, but Alex held out her hand.

“I’ll have that one, if nobody else minds.”

Morgan shrugged, and Francine handed it over, glancing at Morgan hopefully. If Alex was hungry and eating, that was a good sign, wasn’t it? She watched as Alex gingerly unwrapped the sandwich and nibbled at the corner.

“What else have you got in your magic box?” Morgan grinned, trying to keep everyone as calm as possible.

“Roasted pork with apple glaze and herb—”

Morgan thrust her hand out. “I’ll take that.” She smiled when Francine dropped it into her hand. “Any water?”

“I’ll have the cheese then,” Francine bemoaned and turned back to where the mini fridge housed bottles. “Sparkling or still?” she asked, already reaching for a sparkling to hand to Alex.

“Either, I’m not fussy.”