Pioche

“Let’s blow this town!” resounded Judith. She engaged the selector to drive, and pulled her baby onto the crowded Las Vegas Boulevard, making sure no tourists or foreigners were gawking at the female patrons strutting their stuff, thus accidentally hitting her car. “Keep your distance you morons, if you know what’s good for you,” she yelled out the window.

Larry was watching the traffic as she tepidly maneuvered her baby into the teeming road. “Is there a problem?” he asked.

“No. Just want to make sure these foreigners are bona fide American drivers and don’t pull any right lane driving shit.”

“Okay.”

“Captain, is there a problem? Point out the alien offender and I will—”

All three responded to Abdul’s ill-timed comments.

“SHUT UP!”

“Captain, if you need me, the phaser banks are charged and…”

“SHUT UP!” they yelled again.

She nudged the car through the packed street, making her way west onto Sahara Boulevard and hopefully freedom. The signs for I-15 loomed ahead as the last rays of sunlight glistened off the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west. The rays of light danced off the snow-covered peaks creating deep dazzling purple and orange hues.

“Larry, take a picture before the sun sets. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Larry pulled his Apple 400 iPhone out and snapped a few quick pictures. He really liked this phone. Unlike its predecessors, it contained an anti-vibration device. It was almost as good as Nikon’s new 5000 RX. “I’ll forward them to your email.”

Judith’s eyes never wavered from the peaks as her whole body absorbed the scene. “Okay.”

The car pulled up to the stop light at the intersection of Sahara and the service road and the wide expanses of the interstate. She punched her ten-selection CD player and chose her favorite all time album, Bob Seger’s Night Moves. As far as she was concerned it was the greatest album produced of all time, and that included the Beatles’ White Album and Michael Jackson’s Thriller. No one could describe the life of a band the way Bob did. His words and melodies were exquisitely written. She’d hoped he would have been at the Mega concert in Los Angeles, but according to the press release, he was recovering from a bad bout of laryngitis.

The light turned green. She turned to the right and the expanses of I-15 and US 93. Her right thumb depressed the volume increase button until the sounds were booming out of the open windows. She could feel the vibration from the song “Night Moves’’ pulsating through the speakers in time with the rhythm of the concrete rumbling through the Michelin tires. She was becoming one with the road.

“Buckle up, boys and girls. Mama’s gonna take you for a ride.” The speedometer quickly approached eighty mph in a flash. It felt as if the car were riding on a mill-pond ocean.

Judith was lost in the words of the song as the Camaro stretched its legs and went into cruising mode. The song also had Larry thinking back to the night at The Spearmint Rhino. He could see Judith moving to the music of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” Yes, she had brought the thunder down that night. There wasn’t a loose pair of male jeans in the house. He flashed his brilliant white teeth, laughing to himself at the sight his memory re-created. The smile slowly disappeared as he looked into the side-view mirror and adjusted the knob for a better view. Yes, it was the same car with the same men fifty yards behind them. The twitch he felt at the casino and when they were loading the car was starting to gnaw at him again. This wasn’t a coincidence. They were being followed.

* * *

“Boss, I got ‘em. They ain’t going nowhere.”

“Louie, if you lose them, remember, there is plenty of desert out here, and we have plenty of shovels in the trunk.”

“Boss, don’t worry. I’m on this.”

The words were short and harsh coming from Nathan, “You better not, or you’ll be joining Archie and his boys.”

How could Louie forget what happened to Archie? He and his boys came in one night to Caesars to celebrate their good fortune at the track. It must have been their lucky day. Not only did they pocket a cool $20,000 at the track (of course they were given some real good paid tips); they were cleaning up at the blackjack and craps’ tables. The group was up $100,000 in winnings. They thought the night would never end. It didn’t. It was okay for people to win at Caesars, but when people from out of town started winning big, that was unacceptable. Nathan changed the commercialized slogan of “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” to “Money comes to Vegas and stays in Vegas.”

He was proud of the coined slogan. Archie and his friends were never allowed the time to enjoy the earnings. Nathan and his boys followed Archie and his men for one hundred miles. They pulled up alongside Archie’s car and shot out the front tire. The accident was deadly enough. Most of the occupants inside the car died after it tumbled a three-sixty for the third time.

Nathan and his boys relieved the dearly departed of the day’s hard-won earnings, packed them into the trunk of his car and disposed of the bodies deep in the desert. It would be months, or better, years before the bodies were discovered, if ever.

Louie knew the target tonight was kids. He didn’t have a problem with killing adults, but kids? They were the same age as his own son and daughter. But they had been way too lucky, and it was as Nathan said, “Money comes to Vegas and stays in Vegas.” His only regret was that Nathan was very specific about the brunette.

“No one touches her. We are only after the money. If anyone has any ideas of breeding her, you’ll be joining her. Capisce?”

Each member acknowledged the mention loud and clear, “Yes sir.”

* * *

The road sign stated they were coming up to the split for I-15 and US 93 in five miles. Muki and Abdul were nodding in and out of sleep. Judith’s eyes were transfixed on the white stripes passing by in a blinding flash under her halogen high beams.

Larry reached over and turned down the song “Main Street.”

“What the fuck are you doing, Larry? When you drive, you can choose the music. For right now, I’m driving, and if you don’t want your fingers broken, you’ll take them off that volume button right now.”

“Judith, we’re being followed.” The words took her by surprise.

“What do you mean?”

“Yes Larry, what do you mean?” Muki quietly asked.

“I think we’re being followed.”

Judith looked at Muki in the rearview mirror and rolled her eyes. Muki wasn’t quite so sure this was a joke.

“Okay, Sherlock,” retorted Judith as her sarcasm spewed out, “what makes you think the bad guys are after us?”

“When we were playing, there was a guy sitting at the end of your table, Judith. He was more interested in watching you play than playing his own hand. I got the same feeling I had back in Atlantic City.”

“You’re being paranoid, Sherlock. No one’s after our goodies or virtue,” Judith laughed at her wit.

Larry continued.

“There was also a guy who congratulated me on the night’s winnings. His smile was anything but flattering. There was something sinister in his words and looks.” Larry was now getting the attention of the girls.

“I noticed the same guy at the strip club and also in the lobby when we were checking out. I didn’t say anything because, like you, I thought I was being paranoid. However, I took note of the car he got into as we were leaving Caesars. It’s the same Cadillac.”

Judith depressed the volume button to mute.

“Do you think we’re in danger?” The question from Judith was full of angst. She was remembering the two truckers back in Jean. The thought sent a shiver up her spine.

“I don’t know, but I’m betting they aren’t out taking in the sights. Like my father and Leroy, I believe they feel they deserve our winnings more than us.”

Abdul stirred a bit noticing the music was no longer blaring at warp speed. “What’s going on?”

Muki leaned over. “Larry thinks we’re being followed, and he’s serious. This isn’t the time for any Star Trek or Star Wars bullshit. He’s dead serious.”

“What do you suggest we do?” Judith was serious with the question.

“We need to make sure they’re not following us. I don’t want to make a wrong assumption. US 93—The Great Basin Highway exit is coming up. Let’s exit and head north. If they are following us, I’ll try and see if I can map out an escape route.

“Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed on the interstate?” asked Muki.

“I don’t think so. If these men are after the money, they’ll stop at nothing to relieve us of the winnings. They could do it at a rest stop or a diner along the way when we stop. They might even go so far as following us to Denver. No, we need to be sure and lose them if at all possible. There’s the exit, Judith. Turn on your blinker and stay calm.

She eased the car off the interstate.

* * *

“Boss?”

“I see it. Follow them.”

* * *

“Which way, Larry?” Judith forced the words through her parched lips.

“Left. We’re going north. If they continue following, we’ll take Kane Spring Road and head towards Caliente and Pioche.” Judith obeyed and turned the car north onto 93.

“Judith, one other thing. I don’t want them to think we know they’re following us, so keep it around seventy. Let them make the first move. Two-lane highways don’t allow as much maneuvering room as the interstate. When the time comes, I’m sure you and your baby will perform adequately.” She nodded in agreement.

* * *

“Boss?”

“Take a right. We’ll use the service road for about a mile and then double back. We don’t want to frighten our friends.” Nathan’s thin smile covered his rough face.

* * *

“Are they following us?” Judith was more scared than curious.

“No. They turned right.’’ They all released a deep sigh of relief.

“Captain, it appears you got a bit spooked.”

“Abdul, a good Star Fleet commander never underestimates his prey. Too bad you haven’t installed a cloaking device. We could certainly use it.”

“Aye, Captain. Blame Star Fleet command. They felt it beneath themselves to use stolen property for our own ventures.” Larry and Abdul (even the girls) enjoyed the small sparring. They all became much more relaxed.

“Okay Larry,” questioned Judith. “What now?” The question wasn’t as innocent as it came across.

“Let her ride, Judith. I don’t think there’ll be many cops patrolling tonight. Let’s see what you and your baby can do.”

Without a second thought, she turned mute off and floored the accelerator pedal to a surging ninety-five mph. Her three passengers were amazed at how effortlessly she navigated the curves. At no time was anyone worried about their young lives being extinguished. Judith knew exactly how to anticipate each curve and dip in the road. They were sailing on glass and jamming to tunes.

* * *

“Louie, turn around. We don’t want to lose them now, do we?” Nate’s order was precise.

No, Louie didn’t want to lose them. He couldn’t help but notice the barren landscape as the moonlight reflected off the sagebrush and sand. Losing them wasn’t an option.

* * *

Larry pulled out a Marlboro Light (much to the displeasure of Judith), flipped open his Zippo lighter and ignited the end. He always enjoyed the first drag filling his lungs with the sweet taste of nicotine. He only lit up when he’d averted a particularly strenuous moment, or was facing one.

“Drop one ash on my seat, and you’ll be smoking it through your ass.” She didn’t care if people smoked; she just never understood the habit and wasn’t about to let him damage her baby.

“Don’t worry, Judith. I have it well in hand.”

She turned the volume down enough to talk without yelling. “Do you really think they were after us?”

“I don’t know, maybe I was being paranoid. It felt as if I were back in Atlantic City the night Dad and Leroy killed those two guys and walked away with relatively minor injuries. Maybe I overreacted.”

“Aye, Captain, it was a good drill to keep the troops in line. Next time let us know if it’s only a drill. I wasn’t properly—”

Muki led the charge. “SHUT UP!”

Larry finished his partly-smoked cigarette, flicking it into the dark Nevada night. He pulled the GPS locator up on his phone.

“We should be arriving at the junction of 375, 318 and 93. We can take 93 straight into Cedar City and hook back on I-15, or if you feel adventurous, you can keep going north to Wendover and catch I-80. The second would definitely be the scenic drive. Dealer’s choice.”

Judith smiled at having options. She also knew that her baby’s engine could have a voracious appetite for fuel.

“Which route has more fuel and rest stations?”

Larry glanced once as he magnified the four-inch screen and panned the easterly path. “Cedar City would be the best option.”

“Then Cedar City it is.”

* * *

“Arturo, you see anything yet?” Nate was getting impatient, and Louie was feeling desperate. Arturo was standing up in the back seat. The special sunroof was open so he could use the AN/PVS-24 night scope.

“I think so, boss. Yes, I see them. They’re about two miles ahead.” Louie let out a sigh of relief.

“They’re turning left at the junction.”

“Good. Louie, keep this current distance. Don’t want to scare them. We’ll intercept them at the 93 N/E junction.”

* * *

The night air was rushing through the open windows; exactly what the doctor ordered after a few grueling days in Vegas. The air was hot and dry, but with the sun down, it also provided a crisp, clean coolness to the plants and animals that were baked daily. How does anything survive out here during the day? thought Judith. It amazed her how teeming the desert was with life. She thought about the brave men and women who tested fate back in the early nineteenth century crossing this barren wasteland with only the provisions a Conestoga wagon could hold. Those were true pioneers. Everything else we do pales in comparison. Judith had slowed her baby down to a respectable seventy mph. She sure didn’t want to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

Larry dozed off as the whine of rubber on asphalt vibrated him in and out of consciousness. He thought he saw a pair of headlights flicker in the side-view mirror as his eye lids danced up and down.

* * *

“Louie, we’re ten miles from the junction. We’ll play this the same as Archie. I want you to speed up, and I’ll shoot out the front tire. When the car stops rolling, Michael and Arturo will get the bodies and stash them in the trunk. We’ll go through all of the luggage and make sure we collect everything that belongs back home. Any questions?” No one answered. They all knew their jobs.

* * *

Judith saw the junction signs approaching. She could continue straight and make for Cedar City or turn north for Wendover. The gas gauge was sitting at half full. It would be fun to travel north and keep testing the Nevada asphalt, but it was a long way to Denver and from what Larry said, it would add at least two hours to the drive to Denver. She decided on Cedar City. They could catch I-80 on the way back. She looked up in the rearview mirror as she chose another fine selection of music, Blue’s Brothers Live. There was a pair of headlights closing in.

* * *

“Now, Louie. Go!” The 4.6 liter dual overhead camshaft Northstar V-8 roared to life. Nat checked his custom-made Desert Eagle knowing it would only take one round to turn the tire on the Camaro to burnt rubber.

* * *

Judith watched the headlights approaching at a screaming speed. “Larry. Larry. Wake up. They’re back!”

Larry quickly brought himself to consciousness. He looked into the side mirror. It was the same pair of headlights from earlier. He was correct in his first assumption. These men wanted what they’d taken from Vegas and obviously would go to any lengths to obtain it.

“Judith, have we passed the junction for 93 E and 93 N?”

“No, it’s coming up in about one-thousand feet.”

“Good, keep your current speed. The road going east is straight and wide open according to the GPS. I want you to let them close within fifty feet. They aren’t going to try and ram us or push us off the road. I believe they’re going to try and pull up alongside and either force us off the road or shoot out the tires. You need to let them get almost side by side and slam on the brakes. They’ll shoot by us like a rocket at this speed. Take 93 North and gun it. I’ll check the map for our next move.”

Judith said nothing. She kept the approaching lights in full view. She was preparing for an exceedingly dangerous, yet vital, move. Her driving skills were about to be severely tested.

“Muki, Abdul, wake up—we’re being followed.” They both rubbed their eyes attempting to focus in on Larry. “Guys, we’re being followed, and I don’t think they want to congratulate us on our good luck at the tables. I believe they want to collect what we won and dispose of the evidence. Judith and I have worked out a tentative escape route. Be ready to brace yourselves and make sure you’re buckled up.”

Muki and Abdul stared at each other in disbelief, but followed Larry’s instructions. They knew by the tone in his voice this wasn’t a prank.

“Can you see any of the passengers, Judith?”

“Yes. I can see one man. From what I can see, he’s giving the driver directions, and I think he has a gun in his right hand.”

“Okay, keep your eye on the passenger. If he lifts his hand into a firing position, let me know. We might have to change our plan.” Judith kept one eye on the road and one on the passenger. For most, this would be a real challenge, but then most aren’t race car drivers. She had learned the art of concentrating on the road and the gauges simultaneously.

“Here comes the junction, one hundred feet and closing. Keep your speed.”

Without moving her eyes from the passenger who was starting to raise his right hand, she informed Larry, “I know exactly what I’m doing. You make sure you’re strapped in tight. This is gonna get hairy.”

The intersection was now only fifty feet and closing fast. She could see at least two gold teeth in the passenger’s mouth as the Cadillac was coming alongside. The men in the car were all dressed in very dark suits. Facial recognition was impossible—what wasn’t though was the gun being pointed at the front tire. The face of the passenger was taking on a menacing smile as it appeared he was lining up for the shot.

“Hang on!” She slammed her foot on the brake. Smoke billowed out from the screaming tires. Normal street tires would have immediately blown out from the intense friction between rubber and asphalt. When she bought the car, Dean Smith suggested they put some real tires on it—Michelin 5000XL’s at $1,000 each. Couldn’t have her sliding into a ditch doing eighty around a curve. She thought she heard a loud pop as the Cadillac rocketed by her at seventy mph. Before the car came to a complete stop, she was romping on the accelerator again, spinning the car one-eighty degrees and shooting back to 93 N. The race for time had begun.

* * *

“Dammit,” yelled Nate. “The bitch braked just as I took the shot. Louie, turn us around. She wants to play games, does she? We too shall play games with her.”

“Yes boss.” It took over four hundred feet to bring the Cadillac to a stop. Louie frantically turned the car around and took up the pursuit.

* * *

“Now what?” demanded Judith.

“I’m looking. The next town is Pioche, about twenty-two miles up the road. There are also a lot of dirt roads in the area.”

Muki and Abdul were regaining their breath and senses from the radical moves Judith had just put the car through. In a trembling tone, Muki threw out a suggestion. “Shouldn’t we try to find a police or highway patrol station in the next town?”

“Yeah,” chimed in Abdul. “Let’s go to the cops.”

Larry thought about it for a minute looking at the small town approaching on the GPS. Population: two-thousand. The chances of the town having a full-time police force were remote at best. “No, we have to lose these guys. If they follow us to the police station, and it’s open, they won’t hesitate to kill all of us. No, we have to lose them. Judith, keep your foot on the accelerator. On the south side of town, there’s a branch road, Business 321.”

“Got it,” came her calm reply. “With some good luck, I’ll drive circles around them.” She hoped.

* * *

“Do you see them, Arturo?” The words were harsh and hateful. Nathan never anticipated the female driver would attempt such a dangerous move. He wouldn’t make that mistake twice.

“No boss. No sign of them.”

“Keep looking dammit! Louie, if you lose them...” Nothing else needed to be spoken.

Louie pushed the accelerator farther down.

* * *

Judith swung the car onto 321, cautiously moving the car into the sleepy little town. There were a few buildings dotting the business district, showing very little, if any, life. The only signs of activity were the flashing lights from the Overland Hotel and Saloon. She was surprised the residents hadn’t rolled up the sidewalks.

“Okay genius, now what? Do we stay on 321 or take 322 into downtown (she laughed) Pioche?”

Larry glanced at his GPS satellite map. As he feared, there was nothing in town to offer a really good hiding place. He needed to find a location where they could catch their breath and plan the next move. “Stay on 321. The elementary school is just up the road. I doubt they have any parking lot lights. It’ll be a good spot to regroup.”

“And if it does have lights?”

“We’ll take our chances.”

* * *

“Arturo, see anything?”

“Not yet, boss.”

“Boss,” added Louie, “You want me to take the split or pull into the police station?”

It had been a while since Nate had paid a visit to his second cousin Alonzo. It’d been five years since the family reunion in Vegas for Alonzo’s daughter’s wedding. He doubted Alonzo would be up, but hey, they were in town. “Good thinking, Louie. Let’s see if the Chief of Police is in.”

* * *

Judith pulled the car into the dark parking lot. Larry suggested she turn off the lights, but leave the engine running. The four got out and stretched their nervous twitching legs. The full moon cast an eerie glimmer off the asphalt and surrounding buildings, as the cool breeze blowing in off the foothills of the Sierra’s revived their dampened spirits—a little.

“Now what?”

Larry studied the layout of the town. “I don’t know. We can’t go backwards.”

“Why is that, Captain? They wouldn’t expect us to backtrack.”

“True, but if they have more friends, they would certainly have a car south of town waiting on us. That would be the smart move. No, we have to keep going north.”

“North to where, genius?” demanded Judith. “Wendover? We’ll never make it.”

Larry knew Judith was right. Those guys wanted the money and weren’t worried about how they obtained it. “There’s a police/fire station not more than a quarter mile up the road. I doubt our pursuers would take up position there. I think it’s our best bet. We might be able to hold up there and wait for the sun to rise.”

“And if that doesn’t work?” snapped Judith.

Larry’s mind was racing a thousand miles a minute trying to plan out an escape, and the last thing he needed was Judith’s sarcasm.”I don’t know. Okay? I don’t fucking know. It’s not every day you get chased by the mob, but if you have a better idea, then it’s time to share it. Okay?”

Judith quickly backed down. She didn’t appreciate being reprimanded by anyone, yet she was willing to take a small lashing from Larry. “Okay,” she sheepishly replied.

* * *

“How ya doing, Alonzo? What’s it been, five years since I kicked your ass?”

“Nathan, it’s been over ten years, and as I recall, it was you lying on the ground, not me.” Both men embraced each other with honest laughter, applying a kiss to each cheek.

At first glance, one would have thought they were brothers. Each man was six feet two, a hefty two fifty pounds, large arms, and jet-black hair. The only difference was the full, black mustache on Nathan and his two golden teeth.

“What are you and your friends doing in town?”

“Well, we got a problem with some college kids. They took something that doesn’t belong to them, and we think they’re holding up here.”

“Do you need some help with the problem?” queried Alonzo.

“That’s not such a bad idea. I don’t think they’ll go south; I’m betting they’re going to make a break to the north in hopes of escaping. The boys and I will go north and cover the 321/93 junction. You stay here and herd them towards us if they backtrack. How’s that sound?”

Alonzo flashed his pearly whites. “Like herding the steer to the slaughterhouse. Let me get a few coffees to go before we head out.”

Nathan was all for a good shot of caffeine. Alonzo was a master with espresso, and his special blend would provide an added burst of energy and alertness his crew would need, for the upcoming encounter. “Sounds good to me.”

* * *

“There it is on the left, Judith. Looks like somebody’s there. The garage door is open, and the lights are on. This could be our lucky night.” Larry took a deep breath of relief as she slowly pulled the car into the parking lot.

“OH SHIT! IT’S THEM!” Without a second thought, Judith slammed on the accelerator leaving a choking cloud of blue smoke in the parking lot.

“WHICH WAY DAMMIT. WHICH WAY?’ Came the panicked words from her mouth.

“WHICH WAY?”

“NORTH. GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND GO NORTH!” yelled Larry.

* * *

“Shit. It’s those kids!” Nathan forced the words out as he choked on the hot coffee, and tasted the burning rubber in his nose and mouth.

“Louie, quit standing around and get the car started. Alonzo, you take the lead. They’ll be more inclined to pull over for a cop.” Alonzo agreed.

He jumped into the 2005 Chevy Blazer, turned on the lights and took up the chase.

* * *

“Shit, now the cops are following us.” Judith could see the cherries spinning brightly on top of the cop car. “What the hell are we going to do now?”

The words from Muki were succinct and calm. It was the first time she had offered a suggestion. “Stay calm and he’ll find us an off road. It’s obvious the cops and the men chasing us are acquainted. Just stay calm, Judith. Larry, find us an escape route.” Larry glanced down at the GPS and found something odd, but a potential hiding spot.

“Judith, I need you to push yourself and your baby as fast and as hard as you can. In three miles, we’ll be taking a hard right, but you can’t leave any skid marks on the pavement. Understood?” Judith nodded.

“What did you find?” asked Muki.

“I don’t know. It appears to be some kind of government complex or something. Most of the area is blacked-out with these large green circles. I can make out one road and maybe an outbuilding. I think it’s our best bet.” He handed his phone to Muki, who agreed with his deduction.

Abdul leaned over looking at the screen. “Captain, think we’ll find any Klingons?”

Larry reached back for the phone and sent Abdul a decidedly unfriendly glare.

Judith pushed the car to one-hundred mph. Larry started counting down the distance to the turnoff, glancing back and forth to make sure he couldn’t see the flashing lights of the cops. He started counting down for Judith. “Four hundred, three hundred, two hundred.” The engine was easing up. “One hundred, fifty—NOW!” Judith was already anticipating the turn. From the description he’d provided she could take the turn at thirty with no problems.

It didn’t appear the road Larry chose was in use. The yellow center stripe and the white ones for the edge of the road were well-worn and faded. It didn’t matter. The surface was solid, and she was pushing the speedometer back to eighty.

* * *

“I don’t know, boss. They could have turned off anywhere. I can call some people in Salt Lake and Wendover to keep an eye out, but other than that, we could spend the next two days driving up and down these roads looking for them.”

Nathan pulled out a cigar, clipped the end and lit it up. “I think you’re right, Lonzo, I think you’re right.” He drew in a deep draw from it. “Lonzo, if you wanted to hide something and didn’t want it found for say six months or a few years, what would you suggest?”

“About a mile back there’s a road that goes east for about two miles and dead-ends. The four-wheelers and bikers usually don’t go out there. They prefer doing their thing about a mile off the road.”

Nathan thought about it for a few minutes as he pulled out his Desert Eagle.

“I warned you, Louie.” The gunshot was soaked up in the desert sands.