It was trying to force them off the road into the ditch.
It struck them again.
This time Logan barely managed to keep the car on the road.
Pull ahead, she said. Well be dead in the water if we end up in that ditch.
What do you think Im trying to do?
Thank God, the freeway was just up ahead.
The Mercedes hit the limo again and it spun toward the ditch.
Logan turned the wheel frantically and managed to keep the car from plunging down the incline.
That last hit caused them to skid to the other side of the road. Thats our chance, Eve said. Hit it!
He stomped on the accelerator.
Theyre too close. Logan was looking in the rearview mirror. Theyll catch us before we reach the freeway.
Thehellip; coffin, Gil murmured. Give them
No! Logan said.
Eve looked down at the coffin at her feet.
Give them the
Eve reached for the door handle.
What are you doing? Logan asked.
Shut up, Eve said fiercely. Gils right. They want this damn coffin. Theyre going to get it. Its not worth our lives.
What if they dont stop? Youve given it up for nothing.
I dont give a damn. Gils already been shot over this skull. No one else is going to be hurt. Slow down and keep the car in this lane. No matter what happens.
The car slowed, but it was still a struggle for her to open the door against the force of the wind.
Theyre gaining.
Just keep the car in this lane. She dragged and pushed the coffin toward the door. And as far ahead as you can.
I dont think I
Try. The wind had flung the door open and she shoved the coffin out. It bounced twice and skidded into the other lane.
Now, well see. Eves gaze was fixed on the on-coming Mercedes. Weve just got to hope they Yes.
The Mercedes had gone past the coffin. At first it seemed as if they were going to ignore it and con-tinue the pursuit. But then it slowed, suddenly made a U-turn, and started back.
The freeways just ahead, Logan said. The limo flew down the road and up the ramp to the freeway.
Cars. Trucks. People.
Relief flooded Eve as Logan merged with the traffic. Are we safe now?
No. Logan pulled over to the side of the free-way. Close that door. He turned to Gil. How are you doing?
Just a scratch. Not even bleeding anymore.
Im not sure its safe to stop. Ill call Margaret and have her get you some medical help. Youre sure youre not bleeding? Can you hold on until we get back to Bar-rett House?
Sure. Gils voice was weak. If I survived your driving, I can survive anything.
Thank God, he was well enough to joke, Eve thought with relief.
You couldnt have done any better, Logan said. And for that nasty remark I should dump you out and let you walk.
Ill shut up. He closed his eyes. And since thats so difficult for me, Ill think Ill take a little nap.
Bad idea, Logan said as he pulled back into the traffic. Stay awake. I have to know if you lose con- sciousness.
Sure. Anything to oblige. Ill just rest my eyes.
Logan met Eves gaze in the rearview mirror.
She nodded and his foot pressed harder on the accelerator.
What the hell are you doing? Fiske screeched. Youre losing them.
Shut up, Kenner said. I know what Im doing. The box is more important.
You idiot. Nothings more important. We went to all this trouble and now youre letting them get
Timwick said that if it came to a choice between retrieving what they went after or getting them, we should go for the retrieval.
