She woke me around seven and asked if I was hungry. I really was and told her so. We had a good breakfast and hit the road. The conversation was much like the days and nights before. I was not going to create any problems for her, so I didn’t bring up anything. About midmorning she broke the ice. I knew this was coming, and I dreaded it. She would ask me who I was running from and why, or she would tell me when I was getting out of her truck. Still I was grateful and looked at her, intent on listening. “We need to talk. I don’t want you to lie to me. I don’t intend to turn you in, but I may kill you myself if you don’t tell me the truth.” “OK.” “What do you want to do? Where are you headed? I have done about all I intend to do.” I paused a long time, and she didn’t press me to answer quickly. “I don’t know. I’ve been trying to stay alive. I have thought of a few things but haven’t come up with anything solid yet.” “What do you mean?” I was thinking quickly and talking slowly.
