A Dagger through Dimensions Chapter 25

The Hero Instinct

At the bottom of the hill, I told Sally to turn down a back road that I remembered led back into Stull Junction. It was a longer route, but less traffic. I figured her car looked like Swiss cheese at this point. The woman said nothing as her mechanical movements explained to me; she was close to the edge.

You’ve gone through hell and back, lady!

I leaned forward with my arms resting on the back of the front seat. I did not know what to say, so I just gave her directions to my apartment. I deliberately kept my voice calm, hoping to reassure her. But I’m not sure she even heard me.

“We’ll drop your car off a block away and walk to my place. You and Adele are taking the train out of town.”

Sally barely heard Lane’s voice. Even the road noise along with the engine’s hum failed to register as she remained numb. Her mind barely understood her destination. Only the calm voice coming from behind her gave the woman something to steady her raw nerves. Each turn along familiar streets reminded her of an instance of time when she and Joe happily drove along to a destination. Steeling herself, Sally forced the surging emotions away. Instead, she felt an overwhelming need for sleep coming to her. The urge to stop the car, then lay down and cover her head to welcome the blackness, became nearly overwhelming.