45

Up ahead, several damaged cars block the road. A red van's front end is turned to the left and collapsed against the side wall. The driver still lies inside the car, slumped over in his air bag, unmoving. Behind the van sots a burgundy luxury car, which appears brand new except for recent scratches. Next in line is a light blue, late 90s model sedan, flipped over and flattened. The three cars make a perfect blockade.

"What are we going to do now?" asks Heather, slamming her hands against the back of Emma's seat.

"We need to get around this somehow," says Emma.

"You figured that all out on your own, Sherlock?" Heather says.

"The only way to get by is for one of us to get in a car and drive it out of the way," you say.

Heather leans forward so her body is between the two front seats. "Let me get this straight, so I understand the essence of this thoughtful plan of yours. You want us to get out of our safe vehicle and get in one of those death traps? Are you out of your mind?"