Nowhere to Hide

Running for Cover

The cold, chilly morning has quickly turned into a warm, sunny afternoon. Abby enjoys the sun's warm glow as she crosses into Oklahoma. I hope my luck will hold out for the rest of the trip, she thinks, readjusting herself in the seat.

Abby notices a rest stop sign when she crosses the state line. Now would be an excellent time to see if they've packed something for me to eat. She devoured the baby's snacks hours ago. Although dry cereal isn't her go-to snack, it quieted her hunger pains temporarily despite the cardboard taste.

Abby suddenly recalls what happened during her pitstop an hour or so ago. Maybe I should use the restroom while I'm there and save myself a little embarrassment. There wasn't a car in sight until she started doing her business, and then everyone and their brother seemed to pass. What if someone recognizes me from the news bulletin? Her stomach growls. First things first, I need to find something to eat.

She discovers the rest stop is empty when she pulls into the lot. She takes a quick look around to be sure. I might not get a break like this again. Unfastening her seat belt, she dashes inside.

Abby starts to leave when she hears two women talking. I'll wait until they're in their stalls. She gently eases her door closed. Their barrier squeaky, and then the latch clicks into place. Abby reaches for her lock when another lady shuffles across the dusty floor. This sound is followed by a second and then a third. Why does this always seem to happen to me? Crossing her arms in front of her, she leans against the barrier and waits.

Some women head outside while others move across the floor: the faucet squeaks, water splashes against the ceramic basin. Two women strike up a conversation about where they've been and where they plan to go next.

Abby's stomach growls with fury. She wraps her arm around her middle, hoping to ease the pain. You two have picked an excellent time to compare notes, she thinks, doubling over in pain.

The room grows quiet. Abby peeks through the small opening between the door and frame. One of the ladies is heading outside: the other is nowhere to be found. Now's my chance. She starts to unfasten the lock when someone taps on the opposite side. Abby jumps back. Her leg smacks the toilet lit, causing the seat to lift then fall. Screaming, she jumps again.

"Are you alright in there?" the lady asks.

"Something I ate didn't agree with me, but I'll be alright soon. Thanks for asking."

"I have something that just might do the trick."

Abby hears papers shuffling around. She then sees a pink box dangling over the top.

"They've always helped me," the lady adds.

Abby grabs the small container. "Thanks."

"I hope you get to feeling better soon."

Abby shakes the box. "Thanks again."

The lady hobbles across the floor.

Abby waits a few minutes before she opens the door. Discovering the coast is clear, she runs to the entrance, peeks outside to find there isn't a soul in sight. Now's my chance. She dashes to the van.

She sees a cop pulling into the lot when she's halfway across the yard. Abby slides to a stop. She looks at the van and then back at the restrooms, trying to figure out where she should hide.

The cruiser continues to get closer.

I'll stand a better chance in the van. She dashes to the vehicle. Locking the doors, she crawls under the seat. Her hand trembles as she puts each little plastic plaything in place. This is how my day began. She sighs

Car doors squeak open and then slam shut. Footsteps crunching across the loose gravel follows soon after.

A deep, baritone voice blares through the side window. "Make it quick, rookie."

Please make it quick, Abby thinks, wrapping her arms around her aching stomach.

"Yes, sir." The officer taps on the van when he walks past.

Abby jumps. Her head thumps against the seat. Yelping, Abby covers her mouth. "Damn, cop," she grumbles, rubbing the sore spot on her head.

The first officer glances at his watch. Becky popped out our first kid quicker than this. "We don't have all day, rookie," he barks, tapping his foot on the pavement.

"I'm coming." The lad darts across the lawn.

The officer looks at his timepiece again. "Thanks to all your pit stops, this four-hour trip has become an all-day event."

"This will be the last time, sir, I promise."

"I highly doubt that."

Their car doors slam. The vehicle pulls away.

"I thought they'd never leave." Moving the toys, Abby crawls out from under the seat. "Now, to see about some lunch."

She finds the storage container packed full when she opens the lid. "It looks like they have a little bit of everything in here."

She notices a small, plastic lavatory in the middle. A curious expression crosses her face. Why would they include that? Abby suddenly recalls Ned teasing Thelma about having everything but the kitchen sink in the suitcase she calls a purse. Laughing, She picks it up. "You're such a nut." He always found a way to cheer her up, despite her sour mood.

She imagines the three of them playing cards, their pool parties, and their countless barbecues. "You guys are like the family I never had." Her laughter turns to tears. "I'm going to miss you guys." She wipes the moisture away. She then recalls how the whole thing began. "I wouldn't be in this mess if I'd left the darn gym bag alone."

Abby assumed someone left it because of its broken strap. Being in excellent condition; otherwise, she decided to repair it and then give it to one of the kids. Abby discovers the flash drive between the lining and outer cover when she turns the bag inside out. Wanting to return the external storage, she decided to see what was on it, hoping its information will give her an idea.

Abby was shocked to discover the collection of information on a known drug cartel. She knew she should take it to the police, but knew her true identity would be revealed if she did. Abby considered mailing it but figured they'd trace it back to her. She even thought about asking her friend to deliver it but didn't want to risk the mob coming after her. Wiping her fingerprints off it, she took it to the city dump.

Abby finds a strawberry blond wig in the top, far corner of the box. "I should've checked here first. She runs her fingers through the long mass of tangles. "Much better." She puts it on and then searches for something to eat.

***

Seeing Abby cross into Oklahoma, Antonio pulls over to the shoulder of the road. This couldn't have worked out better if I'd planned it, he laughs, scrolling through his contacts.

"Hey Manny, it's Antonio. The girl I just told you about is headed your way."..."I'll send the address to your phone."..."You can be there in ten? I knew I could count on you."..."Let me know when it's done."