Race the Storm

Chapter 19

They could have reached Mesa Verde the next day, but they were taking their time, and Jax wanted to switch vehicles before they crossed into Colorado. They spent an extra day driving through Arizona, stopping at gas stations and rest areas whenever Willa needed a break.

They were supposed to be getting a new license plate sent to them from Wes, who was apparently the team's go-to guy for basically everything. How he was managing to help them and stay off the PsyOps radar was beyond Willa's understanding, but then again, he was the computer guy. Apparently he was going to 3D print a new license plate for them.

Willa hoped it looked real enough to do the job. After the license plate came in, they were going to steal another car.

Life was weird right now.

"Does it matter what kind of car it is?" Willa asked. She leaned against the truck while Jax pumped gas. With their first fiery gas station experience still fresh in her mind, she didn't like being trapped inside the truck while they were getting gas.

"Is there something you want to steal?"

"Shh," Willa said, eyes darting around, "Jax..."

"No one's listening," he said. Well, the gas station was pretty empty. No one else was at the pump, and the woman inside was watching Judge Judy on a tiny TV set. "But yeah. If you want me to find something in particular, let me know."

"Nothing a family owns," she said. "Can't Wes get us a car?"

"He could, but the more he does for us, the more likely it is for someone to find out what he's doing." Jax's lips straightened in a flat line. "I don't want him to get caught."

"Me neither."

"Are you hungry?" he asked, closing the gas cap. "Maybe we can find something new to drive while we eat."

"Can we steal it from a bad person, at least?" Willa asked. "Or from a car lot?"

Jax half-smiled. "Would it make you feel better?"

"Actually, yeah, definitely," she said, letting out a tense breath. Stealing made her think too much about her past. Especially stealing cars.

Jax considered it as he pushed the button for 'no receipt.' "It's kinda hard to determine who's bad or not unless we get lucky and catch someone in the act, so let's go for a car lot then." He rubbed his chin, apparently still thinking. "We'll have to find one with minimal security, no painted on sale prices, and a large lot so they don't notice it getting stolen right away. We'll only be keeping that car for a few days so I think it's doable."

Willa nodded eagerly. Yes, yes, and yes. Sounded good to her.

"Are there any big cities between here and Mesa Verde?" He asked.

"Hmm, give me a second." Willa opened the car door and pulled out a map, pursing her lips as she studied it. The only map-reading class she'd ever had was a brief one from her elementary school librarian in 4th grade, so while she was adept with Smartphone map-following, she was still polishing her rusty paper map skills.

"I think Cortez is the biggest one around if you're willing to wait until we're almost there."

Jax leaned close, bracing a hand against the doorframe as he peered over her shoulder at the map. Willa suddenly found it very hard to focus on the map in front of her, when the rest of her was practically surrounded by Jax.

"I think that's doable. Means we'll be able to stay on schedule too for Wes' license plate delivery."

Willa nodded distractedly. Mhmm. Yep. Made sense.