Page 42 of The Enemy Face Off

"Yeah, well, they've got God on their side," I mutter.

She harrumphs and folds her arms.

The rain is really coming down hard now. The wipers are on max, and it's barely helping. Visibility is shot.

Beth sits up and leans toward the windshield. "It's snowing."

Even though I'm seeing the flakes falling with my own eyes, and I heard about snow in the weather report, it still feels a little surreal. "How is this possible? We're in California."

"We're in the mountains in California," Beth explains. "It's a microclimate up here. It's been snowing lightly up here all week."

I squint and peer over the steering wheel. "This doesn't look light to me."

She turns the music off and switches over to the radio, just in time for us to catch the weather report. "…a fast-moving, unprecedented weather situation developing affecting multiple areas on the mountain."

"That doesn't sound good," she says, and I can hear the worry in her voice.

I slow down even more, keep my eyes glued to the road, and say, "Can you turn the volume up please?"

She leans forward and rotates the dial. "Of course."

"Meteorologists are predicting snowfall amounts of up to three feet in some areas of Cedar Crest Hollow…"

Cedar Crest Hollow, that's where Fraser and Evie are getting married.

"…The snowfall is expected to be heavy and wet, making road conditions extremely hazardous."

Thatreallydoesn't sound good, but I try not to let my concern show on my face.

I'm a good driver. Not that experienced in these sorts of conditions, granted, but we'll be fine.

We have to be.

I have to keep Beth safe, and I've got two kids who are counting on me to make it back in one piece.

"All non-essential travel should be avoided until this weather event has passed and roads have been cleared."

"The wedding." Beth covers her mouth. "Poor Evie and Fraser."

I guess my cool and calm demeanor is working if she's more worried about the wedding than our current driving predicament.

"Major highways and mountain roads will be closed due to the dangerous conditions. Local authorities are working to set up emergency shelters for those who cannot make it home. If you are currently driving in or around Cedar Crest Hollow,you are strongly advised to find a safe place to stop and seek shelter immediately."

"Oh my gosh." She clutches at her chest and starts taking rapid, shallow breaths as reality hits her. "We're in danger."

"It's okay," I say, keeping my voice calm. "Just keep breathing, nice and steady, and stay calm." She doesn't respond, but I can hear her breathing slowly return to normal. "We need to get off the road. You know these mountains better than I do. Is there anywhere we can pull off close by?"

"Actually, yeah. There's a left turn coming up ahead. Whispering Pines is a few miles away."

"Then that's where we're going."

I see the turn and take it.

"I'm pretty sure they have a motel," Beth says, pulling her phone out. "Shoot. No reception. I wanted to make a booking."

"It's fine. I'm sure we'll find something."

She sighs. "I hope so."

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