#Chapter 90: The Checkpoint

Kadeem The kids screamed in the backseat like they were on a rollercoaster ride, a mixture of terror and thrill in their ear-splitting shrieks. Jack slammed on the brakes and they screeched to a sudden halt, slamming into a ditch on the other side of the road. Kadeem ripped off his seatbelt and lunged at Rayburn. “Get the fuck out of the car!" “If we can't go my way, we’re not going at all,” Rayburn squeaked, his face beet red as he shrank in his seat like a wilting flower. “We might as well just turn around now and go back home!” “Both of you, cut it out!” Kadeem ignored Ardal's stern voice and rounded on Rayburn again, letting out another menacing growl. “Mommy,” said Lottie, “I’m scared.” Her little voice stopped both Kadeem in his tracks. “Do you see,” Ardal yelled, pointing towards her daughter. Her brothers looked equally frightened. Erbao, on the other hand, seemed to be having the time of his life. He laughed joyously. “Let’s do that again,” he said, leaning up to con