Page 97 of The Hitchhikers

“There’s a lot of metal and engine in front of us,” Simon said. “The truck will go through.”

“It might also fall down around us,” Alice said.

“Keep your foot on the gas. Hammer it.”

“They’re going to shoot the tires.”

“Like I said, drive fast.” Simon was spitting out the words, leaning forward so he could look at Alice past Jenny. “They’ll think you’re one of us. Remember that.”

Alice was silent for a moment, and Jenny wondered if she would refuse, then wondered at the brief flare of relief she’d felt before Alice said, “Keys?”

Simon reached across and dropped them into Alice’s palm. The keys jingled as Alice searched through them.

Everything was taking so long. Jenny rubbed her sweaty hands on her legs.

“What do you think the cops are doing?” she said.

“Hiding,” Simon said.

Alice found the key and slid it into the ignition. Simon flicked off the flashlight. Jenny heard him drop it on the dash.

“Alice, drive close to the cop car. Make them think you’re going to crash. They’ll get out of the way. Jenny, keep your head down and hang on.”

“Ready?” Alice said.

“Do it.”

The engine started up, spluttered for a moment, then they were shooting forward. Simon was right. They crashed straight through the garage door. The frame screeched as they dragged it forward. Jenny glanced back. The front of the shed was collapsing. They were going so fast that Alice had to turn the wheel hard to stop them from slamming into the police car.

“Get down!” Simon cupped the back of Jenny’s head and pushed it toward her knees.

The truck fishtailed on the loose dust. Shots rang out. Jenny gasped as the side mirror shattered. She pressed her hands over her ears, but it didn’t help. Alice was screaming and bullets were hitting the truck. Simon was shooting out the window, the gun deafening.

The engine was loud as Alice gunned it. She sped over bumps and potholes in the driveway, sending them flying and banging into each other. At the bottom, Alice made a sharp turn that slammed Jenny into Simon and pinned him against the door.

The sound softened and tires hummed. They were on pavement.

Jenny sat up.

Simon was patting her all over. “Are you hurt? Did you get hit?”

Was she? She didn’t think so, but she felt numb. She shook her head.

“Thank you, Jesus.” Simon pulled her close, kissed the side of her head. “That was close.” He turned to the window and used his palm to push the rest of the broken glass out.

Alice gripped the steering wheel. Her face was pale, and her eyes glassy.

Then Jenny saw it. The slight turn of Alice’s chin and the flick of her eyes as she glanced across Jenny to the gun in Simon’s hand—his left hand. The one closest to Alice, because he’d used his right to push out the glass. His grip was loose, the gun resting on his leg. Alice had never tried to snatch the gun before. Not in all the times Jenny had been around her.

Alice lifted her gaze and caught Jenny watching. Alice stared back at the road. Jenny nudged Simon and gestured to the gun. He gave her an apologetic look, like he thought she was upset because he was holding it carelessly, then switched it to his other hand.

Now they were all staring out the window.

CHAPTER 35ALICE

With the passenger-side window blown out, the evening air rushed through the truck, grabbing at Alice’s hair, and whipping it across her face. She rolled up the driver’s window to block some of the wind, but it was still loud inside the truck. The tires were a relentless hum on the highway.

She was so thirsty. She thought of the others, with only half a pitcher of water remaining from breakfast. How long could they make it last? Tom must be so worried. She didn’t believe that Simon would get help for him. She didn’t believe that he was going to let her go soon either. What if she drove into a ditch? Could she do it without killing them all? Best bet would be to wait for the next red light and jump out. She’d run—to a house, to another car. She’d scream and draw attention, and Simon would only want to get himself and Jenny away before help came.