Bea kicked her feet up on the dash. “Grumpy.”
Brynn rolled her eyes. “Gee, I wonder why. It’s been such a fabulous day.”
“Not my fault you wanted to play hero.”
Brynn gripped the wheel, fighting the urge to backhand her. She’d never hit her; that was Uncle Mo’s job. And he’d hit them all plenty enough. Didn’t mean she didn’t think about smacking her from time to time. Especially when she had attitudes like now.
“Bea. Shut up. Now.”
Bea laughed but plucked out a cigarette and lit it. It occupied her and kept her from speaking, and Brynn relaxed a little. Gunner barked and Bea covered her ears.
“What the fuck?”
“Lower the window. He doesn’t like the smoke.”
“He’s a dog.”
“He still has to breathe, and frankly, so do I.”
Bea lowered the window and he stopped and settled down. He groaned and Brynn smiled. She had finally found a companion.
Bea leaned back again and fell asleep, lit cigarette in hand. Brynn took it from her and tossed it out the window. She drove in peace for another hour and pulled off into the hills. The car bounced on the dirt roads, but she didn’t slow. Gunner stood and she lowered the window for him. He hung his head and tongue out, enjoying the fresh air. Bea continued to snore, and Brynn wondered just what kind of tolerance she had for those pills. She checked her mouth for breathing and was satisfied for the moment.
Another half an hour on the dirt roads led her to the turnoff she needed. The car struggled but made it, and after another twenty minutes, Brynn was driving through overgrown brush off from the trail, until she stopped in front of the old cabin.
She gave Bea another shove, and she grumbled but didn’t wake. Brynn left her, opening the door for the dog, who happily ran around. Brynn rounded the cabin, checking windows and what she could see of the roof. It hadn’t been cared for in years, but it was still standing. She found a side window broken and pushed it open. A dank, dark smell rushed out at her.
“Damn.”
She crawled inside and fell to the dusty floor. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when they did, she found the front door, lifted the heavy slab of wood that served as a lock, and opened it. Light spilled in, and she could see the dust swirling all around her. She coughed and looked at the small living room, tiny kitchen, and single bedroom. Everything was dust coated and ancient.
Childhood memories flooded her, and she couldn’t help but warm inside.
Gunner entered and sat, looking up at her.
“We got a lot of work to do, boy,” she said, glancing out at the car where Bea remained asleep. By the look of her motionless arm and foot hanging out the window, Brynn knew it was less sleep and more passed out. She sighed and patted the dog on the head.
“Come on, let’s go carry her inside.”