Chapter 18

The drive was especially silent. Sherlock was perched in the back seat nibbling on a corn stalk. Sasha was practicing her powers by turning all red lights to green and moving all stop signs to the adjacent roads so there would be minimal stopping.

John focused on driving the speed limit and within the lines but his eyes constantly danced in the rearview mirror watching for black cars with black windows or unmarked police cars looking to write a ticket.

Driving a steady sixty-five miles per hour on I-95, John broke the silence, "How are you feeling Sasha? Your palms have been blue for most of this journey."

Looking down with surprise, "Oh, I didn't even realize it dad. I was just practicing. Did you see me move that flock of seagulls off the road back there?"

John laughed, "That was you? Wow. Impressive kiddo."

Sherlock continued to work on the corn stalk, devouring every kernel of corn it possessed. He didn't speak for a couple of hours as the car drove straight and silent on the interstate towards Langley, Virginia.

Every now and again the road would welcome a few cars, none appeared to be government or local law enforcement.

With the windows down Sasha's brown hair flipped and flopped all around her face. The wind did a number on Sherlock, his feathers ruffled pointing every which way.

It wasn't until the border between Virginia and North Carolina that John noticed a black car with black windows about twenty car lengths behind them.

John didn't deviate from his speed and the black car closed in quickly. It was apparent that it was time to be pulled over and time to make an attempt at sending the officer or agent on his or her way quickly and quietly.

The blue and red lights flicked on, illuminating each street sign with a rainbow of colors. Sasha didn't flinch at this, she had a sense of calm about her and now, so did the interior of the car.

The person in the black car walked up slowly but with authority. The police car's spotlight blinded john as it bounced out from the mirror and into his eyes.

The officer spoke, "Good afternoon Roberts's family. How's the journey going?"

Sasha knew that voice, "Detective Garrett? It's Detective Garrett dad. I knew I was calm for some reason. I knew it, I knew it."

Sherlock welcomed her, "How do you, Ehhh, do ma'am?"

Detective Garrett didn't hesitate, even with a talking bird conversing with her, "Well, I heard you guys were on a trip and I wanted to make sure you got there safely. Jones is looking for you and a couple dozen others are as well."

John looked up at her, "What do you suggest we do to avoid the detectives?"

Leaning in, "I have an idea. Let me trail you with Sasha in my car. That way when they pull you over and arrest you for no reason, I'll still be able to get her where she needs to be."

Sasha smiled, "Excellent idea detective. I'll grab the supplies."

With that, Sasha and Detective Garrett were paired up leaving John with Sherlock. The two cars separated each other again but they both maintained the heading towards the Langley detention center.

Sometimes good things happen.

This was one of those times, that is, until the other cars found John.