#Chapter 49: Going South

Amelia POV The SUV’s wipers squeaked over the windshield, smearing rain into dirty streaks. I clutched the map in my lap, heart racing every time Richard's hand tightened on the wheel. He hadn't said more than five words to me since we left. I could hear the rain pounding the metal roof, drowning out my thoughts. My mouth was dry. "What's the plan when we get there?" I tried. He grunted. "Inspection." Nothing else. He wouldn’t look at me. Wouldn’t talk. The silence grew heavier, thicker with every mile. The road narrowed, flanked by dripping pines. I felt the SUV pull a little and frowned. "Richard there's something wrong." He didn't even look at me. "It's fine." I snapped back, "Pull over." He shook his head. "No." My grip tightened. "Richard pull over. I can hear it grinding." "Amelia stop." "Richard—" "I SAID NO." The thunder boomed. Then the engine shrieked. Thunder boomed so loud I jumped. A sharp rattle under the car made me grip the door handle. Richa