The Cowboys Fire

Chapter 4

Lilly POV

Working my way out to my car, I’m on full alert. I have left earlier than i normally do but I’m hoping the break in routine will mean he isn’t waiting for me.

That was Sybil’s idea anyway. Mr Andrew and Mrs Sybil Black are by far the nicest residents in the compound. Ranches from out west, they have the most amazing accents. To say they have befriended me would be putting it mildly, I have been welcomed in to their home with such caring and affection. I’m not sure anyone has ever should be such attention. Isn’t that upsetting.

I finally confessed everything last night when they realised I was out of sorts and asked me about it. That woman could make a the devil confess, I giggle at the thought. To say they were not pleased in the response from the police was an understatement. They have insisted I message them when I leave and when I arrive safely at home. And vice versa. They seem to be the only occasions I’m daring to leave the house at the minute and I’m ok with that.

I reach my car and text to say that I have left the complex. I don’t expect a reply but one comes through anyway;

“Be safe”

It makes me smile. Such a simple thing and yet I have never had that before. I sniff, and then start the engine.

Heading off for home, I take the road over the pass, it’s more remote and I’ll notice anyone following me more easily. That was Andrew’s thought. For being in their mid sixties they have some fantastic ideas. They even activated a find my app on their phones and linked them with mine so if they don’t hear from me then they can see where I am if need be. That’s a disconcerting thought and hopefully they will never have to use it but it’s good to have in the mean time.

A truck pulls up in my rear view mirror, bright headlights shining on my mirrors and impairing my visibility. Where did they come from?

I try and pull to the side and let them pass since they are right up close behind me, I slow down and they pull out to overtake just as I’m heading over the rise. The gradient increases as we go over the other side, I put my foot on the break to slow down.

Nothing happened?!

I try again, pushing harder on the pedal.

Still nothing!!

OH NO!! The breaks are out!!!

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!

I keep trying the break but nothing at all happens. No change no noise.

NOTHING!!

Help! What do I do. I’m panicking now. This road is long and steep and winding. My speed is climbing.

I gear down trying to reduce my speed. The entire roads but it does slow me somewhat.

Ok, now what?

If I stall it out, I’ll have no control at all. So that’s not an option.

I don’t know, I can’t think. I need to ring Mr Black, he’ll know what to do. I reach for my phone, find his number, hit ring. Come on, please answer, please.

“Hello sweetie, are you home already?” Sybil’s voice comes over the speaker.

“No, I need help, I took the road through the pass but my brakes aren’t working. I’ve gone over the ridge. I don’t know what to do. Please help.” I’m crying now.

“Andrew!!! Quick” she puts the phone on speaker and quickly replays the situation.

“Is it stick or automatic?”

“Stick” I reply instantly.

“Good girl, hear down so your in first”

“I did that, I’m still doing forty and climbing, some of these bends should be done at half these speeds. Oh god, I’m going to crash aren’t I” I’m full on crying now.

“I’m not finished yet girlie, pull your hand break, it will give you a jolt and hopefully slow you down”

“Ok” I do as I’m told, he’s right, I do jolt but the speed is dropping.

“It’s working!” Wait, what’s that noise. Oh no, not the handbrake too.

“It’s burning out I think! The speeds going up again!!! I’m coming up to the turn at the bottom of the ridge, I.. argh!!!!!!”

The car is hit from the side. I look out the window, it’s that truck from before.

“Argh” they hit me again.

My car hits the barrier and goes into a tail spin, around and around before the car breaks through and tips down the side. Roll and after roll and my vision blurs. The windows shatter, glass flying everywhere. Metal works bending. Finally the car comes to a stop, but my head is still spinning.

I’m dizzy and struggling to stay awake.

“Lilly!! Lilly!! Can you hear me!! Lilly.”

“Andrew what are we going to do”

“I’ll call 911”

Noises outside give me hope that help is here, just as blackness consumes me.