Page 30 of Fighting for Family

“Come on, before I change my mind. We’re not far from the mountain. There’s nothing between here and there. I’ll tell you which way to turn,” Shadow laughed.

“Oh my gosh,” she gushed. “You’re serious?”

“I’m giving you to the count of three,” Shadow said, getting out of the truck. It’s not like she could hurt the old beater anyway.

Sparky jumped out and felt her way around the truck until Shadow grabbed her hand and helped her into the driver’s seat.

“You do recall which pedal does what, don’t you?” he asked.

“Yes, yes, get in,” she said excitedly.

“We have no seatbelts. Take it slow to start,” he advised.

“This thing can only do fifty miles per hour on a good day,” she squealed, wiggling in the seat.

“All right, let’s go,” he said, hitting the dashboard.

Sparky put her foot on the gas, and they took off.

“Wooo hoo,” she cried into the wind.

“Turn a little to the left,” he directed.

Biting her lip, she moved the steering wheel as he gave directions.

“You’re moving off the road. Turn the wheel a little to your right,” he directed.

Shadow watched as Sparky’s face lit up. He regretted not having a phone on him to take a picture for Ty. When they returned home, he’d pull Sparky’s husband aside and suggest he do the same in one of his fields.

“We’re getting close to Knight and Ragu’s position. Wave your hand in the air.” Giggling, she raised her arm and grinned. Shadow laughed. Sometimes life gave some unpredictable memories.

* * *

Ragu pulled the binoculars from his face, wiped them, and scanned the area again.

“I’ll be damned. I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it for myself,” he muttered.

“What has you befuddled?” Saint asked, rising from his spot.

“Sparky’s driving the truck like a pro,” he explained.

“Did you hit your fucking head?” Saint accused him. “Give me those,” he said, taking the binoculars from him.

Saint moved them until the vehicle came in sight. It slowed down to a stop, and his two dim-witted employees got out. He watched Sparky dance and jump up and down. As Shadow rounded the truck, they high-fived like two teenagers.

Groaning, Saint pinched his nose, relating to Leo when his employees did stupid things. What the hell were they thinking? Shadow handed Sparky off to Knight while he hid the truck. Then, the trio made their way back to base.

Saint placed his hands on his hips as he waited for his mischievous team members to make an appearance.

When they finally entered the cave, he tore into them. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? You’re supposed to scout out the village. Not joyride through the desert,” he reprimanded them.

Shadow’s expression turned sheepish while Sparky grinned.

“Did you see me? I forgot what it felt like,” she said, glowing.

“If I could see you, did you forget others might see you, too?” he growled.

Sparky’s smile faded, and she pulled the topi from her head. “It’s my fault. I told Shadow how much I missed driving. He felt sorry for me and gave me one last opportunity.”