In the old truck’s passenger seat, Billy blew into his cupped hands, trying to warm them. He stared out at the rocky flank of Mount Royal, and then looked ahead at the narrowing road ahead. He’d never driven up the mountain until now. Had always walked or biked. The drive seemed treacherous. He kept glancing at the top of the trees at his right, cringing every time Xavier took a sharp turn.
“Are you cold?” Xavier shot him a quick look.
“Watch the road,” Billy said, tensing.
“Don’t worry.” Xavier laughed a little. “Just keep your eyes open and we won’t crash. Isn’t that your rule?” Fiddling with the dials, Xavier tried to get the heater working for the tenth time. But it was obviously dead, never to be resuscitated. “I’m sorry about the cold. I tried to fix it, but—”
“It’s okay…”
“Here
