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Chapter Five

LILAH

PRESENT

Standing at Noah's window, it became apparent how tall the man really was. He towered over the hood, and even as he bent down slightly, I still couldn't see his face.

Noah inched his window down until there was a space big enough to talk through. "Where ya headed there?"

The man placed his hand on the hood and leaned down enough to peer into the front seat. His eyes were just as dark as I remembered.

"N'Orleans." He nodded over his shoulder. "Louisiana."

I must've been too shocked to notice before, but he had a strange accent—definitely southern, but something else too that I couldn't quite place.

Disappointment bled in Noah's voice. "Well, isn't that lucky. We're headed to Mississippi ourselves." He was still obviously against the whole thing. I just hoped the stranger didn't notice. "I suppose we could take you that far if ya'd like."

The man showed just a hint of a smile. "Well, I'd surely appreciate it."

"I gotta tell ya, we were planning on finding a place to stop for the night. Been driving all day."

"I'm in no particular hurry. Except, maybe to get out of this weather."

Noah gave him a fake smile and nodded. Eyes flicked between faces while an awkward moment of silence played out. Finally, Noah said, "Well, alright then," and stepped out of the car.

Now standing face to face, Noah sized up the guy, along with his massive pack—both of which were soaked through. He nodded at the bag. "I can put that in the trunk so you have more room back there."

The man clutched the bag's straps, his knuckles turning white.

"If it's all the same to you, I'd like to keep it with me. No offense to you fine people, but life on the road is filled with ill intent, as I'm sure you know. Can't risk losing the little that I got. Ain't nothing worse in the world for someone like me."

Noah's eyes moved from the huge man, with his huge luggage, to the tiny backseat. He shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Noah held the door while the man shoved in his luggage and climbed in beside it. He used the army-green pack like an armrest, making himself look right at home.

With everyone settled, we pulled out of the lot and headed back towards the highway.

The change in the atmosphere was immediate, going from two bodies to three.

The air felt thicker, almost claustrophobic. Our collective breath fogged the windows, giving the illusion that the space was even smaller.

The air conditioner in the Mustang had seen better days, but I turned it on anyway. The tiniest bit of cool air seeped through the vent, barely making a dent in the damp heat.

Silence stretched on and on like the road in front of us. The only sounds were the hum of the engine and the occasional patter of raindrops on the roof.

I cleared my throat, trying to get Noah's attention.

When he looked over and saw my expression, he raised an eyebrow.

I nodded inconspicuously at the guy in the back seat, implying he should say something to the man. Start up a friendly conversation, as courtesy called for.

Realizing my intention, Noah rolled his eyes and paid me no more mind.

I let out a silent, frustrated breath. Fine. I'd just take matters into my own hands.