Page 89 of Hidden Ascent

“Why?”

“Because it’s the law.”

“Since when do you care about the law?”

He played along with her insult. “I don’t. I said that for your benefit. What Idocare about is physics.”

“What?”

“We’ve got a tail, and I need to lose him. Physics says that, if you don’t have your seatbelt on, you’ll get hurt.”

“So does the law.”

“Two sides of the same coin. An interesting point of philosophy that we can talk about later. Right now, I have to focus.”

“Are you sure we’re being followed?”

“Would it make you feel better if you had a look for yourself?”

“Actually, yes.” She shifted enough in her seat to look behind them. After turning another corner, she righted herself in the seat. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Looking backward while you’re driving makes me queasy.”

He reached behind the seat and pulled out an empty plastic bag. “Here. I can’t stop until I lose this guy and my driving is about to make you queasy.”

Chapter20

“How’s Isla?”Jay said when Peter came back into the living room.

“The doctor said she’ll be fine. Just needs to rest.”

“Thanks for calling in that favor.”

“Dr. Phillips is always happy to help. And I wouldn’t trust anyone else under the circumstances.”

“He’s good at discretion?”

“He understands the delicacy of the situation. Especially when I call him for help. I have a tendency to need discreet help. Do you want to go in and see her?”

“No. It would be better if she rested.”

“You sure?”

“If you say she’s okay, I can see her later.”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“Nothing. I didn’t ask how you were doing.”

“I’m not the one who’s injured.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh.” Jay rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re checking on my head space.”

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