A Short Distance Later (continued)

The rain starts as large droplets against the windshield. The skies have darkened across the horizon, and the truck travels down the highway. Jasper wonders how far they are going. There wasn’t much fuel left, and he doubted the gunman was going to buy more.

The rain begins falling in earnest, as more miles build on the odometer. Jasper hopes the gunman hasn’t thought about things like the amount of fuel the truck is carrying. However, he feels better about his chances of escape, if they are walking along the shoulder of the highway.

Ten minutes later the gunman is still astutely watching Jasper. Furthermore, the gun has not lowered, so much as an inch. Jasper is almost impressed with the work ethic of the gunman. Additionally, he notices the blankness of the man’s stare. Jasper is nothing to this professional, just work that must be done.

Short distance

He senses this, and knows any attempts he makes to escape will be met with professional force and resistance. It won’t be personal. It will be work related.

The rain has become a deluge now and Jasper slows the truck. He thinks of the explosions he had seen from earlier. With this in mind he hopes the rain is helping with the fires. They have moved almost fifty miles from the diner, and the road is open with little traffic.

Finally he gets instructions from the stoic and dedicated gunman. “Take the next exit Jasper, it is a rest area, find a place and park.” Then he falls silent again, unerringly keeping Jasper under the gun. Then there are more communications on his phone. His eyes never stray from Jasper, the gunman is an absolute pro.

The exit becomes visible in the distance. The storm is intense. Not only have the winds picked up, but also the rain is blowing in sheets. Jasper takes the exit, slowing the truck, to allow for the turn. As they come around the ramp, the rest area becomes visible.

Later

Jasper is stunned to see a large group of police cars and SUV’s. They are not lit up. However, they do appear to be waiting for Jasper and the gunman. There is only a short warning from the gunman.

“It is time to get to work Jasper. Stay calm and don’t do anything stupid, and this won’t get worse.” His eyes never leave Jasper’s, and the gun doesn’t lower an inch.