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“Where to?” I ask.
“A gas station,” Aiden replies. “And then wherever this secret hiding spot of Claudette’s is. I think you’re right,” he says, looking at her in the rearview mirror. “It’s best we go somewhere not related to Freemont. Have you been to that place? Could De Marco trace you back to it?”
“No. I’ve never been. A friend of mine lives there. It’s secluded in the mountains.”
“Mountains?” My ears prick up.
Yes, please. If I have to hide anywhere, then I want it to be in the mountains.
“What mountains?” Aiden wants to know.
“The Rocky Mountains. Yoho National Park to be more precise.”
Aiden’s eyes go wide. As do mine.
“That’s on the other side of the country,” I say.
“I’m aware,” Claudette replies dryly. “That’s why I said, the challenge is to get there. Not sure this old clunker is going to make it.”
“We’ll think of something,” Aiden says, ever the optimist.
Looks like yet another adventure lies on my doorstep.
Am I ready for it?
No.
But bring it on.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter Eight
Ella
EverywhereIlook,akaleidoscope of vibrant colors paints the landscape. I love fall.
It’s my favorite season. Not just because of the changing leaves, but the temperature is just perfect… at least during the day; not too hot and not too cold.
As I sit in the passenger seat of this old Ford Taurus, I watch the ever-changing beauty of nature passing me by. Despite the funny smell in this car, a sense of calm has washed over me. It’s welcomed after the events of this morning.
They seem far away now, like a distant memory.
I try not to think of Tiero. Whenever I do, I will myself to admire the enchanting fall scenery instead.
I wish we could stop and go exploring. The day is too brilliant to spend it cooped up in a car, but alas, that’s not in my horoscope for today.
We left Halifax behind a few hours ago. After getting gas, water, snacks and a map—I passed that one straight to Claudette—we’re now driving west toward our far away destination.
Aiden estimates the trip will take five or six days, and that’s if we don’t stop. We haven’t discussed if we’re staying in motels to sleep. But that’s probably not wise. It would leave clues for Tiero to track.
Aiden called Carl, his boss, as soon as we were sure we weren’t followed to update him on what was going on. Carl embraced our plan to hide in the Rockies and assured us he would get us there. Now we’re waiting for his call for further instructions. I’m curious to see what he’ll come up with, because this old Ford Taurus isn’t going to make it, especially with the roads turning steeper.
They are beautiful though. Adorned with trees in all shades of fiery red, burnt orange, and golden yellow, each turn reveals a new vista, a picturesque scene straight out of a postcard.
Remember how I said I want to go exploring? That desire keeps growing by the minute. But this isn’t a vacation. I’ll have to come back here once some normality returns to my life.
Ha, will that ever happen?
