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He found his phone and Googled the AAA emergency number, clicking the link. Soon a human

voice answered with robotic enthusiasm.

"This is Triple A. How can I be of assistance?"

"Uh, hello. My name is Alec Collier. I am in a rented vehicle… in a snowstorm… stuck in a

ditch."

"Yes, sir. Could you give me an approximate address."

"Penny Lane," said Alec, feeling like an idiot. "Just outside of Melody, Montana."

The woman's voice grew more sympathetic. "Oh, my. There's a horrible storm there right now."

"Uh, yeah. That's why I'm needing assistance."

"OK. Bundle up and stay warm. I'm going to contact the local affiliate."

"I'm in a white Toyota Land Cruiser."

"Yes, sir. I don't suspect he'll have trouble identifying you."

Shade, Alec thought.She is dishing well-deserved shade.

"We should have someone there within the hour."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Goodnight, sir."

Sir? Really?

He set the phone down.

The jacket he was wearing helped, but he was still cold. He cranked the car and left it running

for a few minutes to warm the interior, plugging his phone in to charge. He went online to pass the time—checked Facebook and Twitter, but neither retained his interest, both seeming frivolous when

compared to his current situation.

While the car was running with the lights on, he looked out into the dark, wondering what kind

of animals might be out there. Deer certainly. What about bears? Wildcats? Surely bears would be

hibernating in this kind of weather. But were bobcats and cougars native to this part of the Northwest?

Were ferocious felines waiting outside the car for him? Was he just a big can of Starkist waiting to be opened?

He turned the car off to conserve gas. The charge on his phone was enough to splurge, so he

opened Skype and called Demarco. It took a few rings of the odd tone, but when Demarco's face

filled the small screen of his phone he felt better, relieved to be connected with the world again.

"Hey, girl. It's late. Are you just getting there?"

"I'm not quite there yet."