Part 27 (2/2)

Annja sighed. ”Fine. I'll sit in the back, for all I care. My legs are tired and I can use the rest.”

The sound grew even louder. Annja pulled Jenny closer to her. ”He sounds as if he's going at a fairly good clip. Better stand over here so we don't get hit.”

”It's coming,” Jenny said.

Annja saw the front of the truck emerge from around the corner about three hundred yards down the road. It was a dark pickup with its headlights still on.

”They won't miss us,” Jenny said. She started waving her hands, trying to flag down the truck.

”Think it's the sheriff out patroling?”

Jenny shrugged. ”Who cares? It's a vehicle and we can ride into town instead of walking. As long as they're not cannibals interested in stripping off our flesh, I don't care who they are.”

Annja frowned. ”Lovely thought.”

”I'm just kidding.”

The truck rumbled closer and Annja could see it was starting to slow down as it approached.

”They see us,” Jenny said. ”We're in!”

Annja stepped out onto the road and waved with Jenny. The truck eased to a stop about twenty yards away. Jenny ran to the truck cab and Annja had to follow after her. ”Wait up.”

Jenny climbed into the truck.

Annja came abreast of the cab and looked in the open door, half expecting to see someone dangerous staring back at her.

Instead, she saw Jenny beaming. Next to her was a handsome man with dark brown hair and the brightest blue eyes Annja had ever seen. Even though he was sitting, Annja could tell that he was tall and extremely fit.

She looked at Jenny. ”Happy?”

”Annja, this is David David. The guy I told you about.”

Annja looked at him, seeing the bra.s.s star on his chest for the first time. ”You never mentioned he was the sheriff.”

”I didn't know.”

The sheriff held out his hand. ”Climb in. You two look as if you've had quite the adventure.”

Annja climbed into the truck and stared back at the woods. I hope we can find Joey in time, she thought.

Chapter 15.

David glanced over at Annja. ”All set?”

Annja nodded and risked a look at Jenny, who looked positively ecstatic to be squeezed in next to David. ”You okay?”

<script>