DOWN THE OCEAN
by
M.X. Scapino
SMASHWORDS EDITION
* * * * *
PUBLISHED BY:
M.X. Scapino on Smashwords
Down the Ocean
Copyright © 2011, 2012 by M.X. Scapino
Follow me on Twitter @mxscapino
Smashwords Edition License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
* * * * *
“You
may delay, but time will not.”
- Benjamin Franklin
* * * * *
For Joe.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 1
IT’S THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES for the year at Lakeland High School near Baltimore, Maryland. Pete Canton, a reasonably jubilant senior and upcoming graduate of the class of 2004, struts his way out of the school lobby with his backpack casually draped over his rather bony shoulders. He’s supporting the backpack with his right hand, and in his left hand is a wide piece of paper which can only be one thing: his last report card.
Singing all the way to his car, Pete throws his books inside, and is greeted by one of his classmates also heading to his car. “Pete, have a great summer! Don’t get too crazy!” yelled the other student.
“You too man,” yelled Pete right back, “Drink up!” Pete jumped into his Pontiac Sunfire, cranked up some Darude on his brand-new iPod, and sped around the corner to the west lot.
Waiting in the west lot near the Science wing is Toby Weiss, Pete’s best friend, confidant, and occasional shoulder to cry on. He’s sitting on the steps waiting with his own final report card in his hand. When Toby hears the sounds of dance hall techno coming around the corner, he jumps up to the curb. Pete opens the door for him and the two share a moment no high school senior could ever want more.
“We did it,” said Pete contently.
“We sure did,” replied Toby as he jumps in the car, delivering an epic high-five on the way in.
“Sit back and enjoy the ride, my fellow graduate,” said Pete confidently, “We’re going home in style!” Just as the song Sandstorm starts playing, Pete speeds off out of the high school parking lot for what should be the last time ever.
After a few minutes of their normally short ride, Pete turns down the volume on the stereo so he can talk in peace. “So what kind of grades did you get?” Pete asked nosily.
“Straight A’s of course,” replied Toby. “Yourself?”
“Probably straight A’s, but I’m not too sure about English. Toby, would you do the honors?” said Pete as he reached down by his side, and handed him the report card.
“Of course!” Toby takes the printed sheet out of Pete’s hands, and rips it open. “Geometry, A. Chemistry, A. Music, A. Government, A. English...you my friend, got an A.”
“Fuck yeah!” screamed Pete a little too loudly. “Awesome. That’ll make up for that nice little ‘D’ I had last semester.”
“Who cares?” said Toby as he threw Pete’s report card out the window of the car. “It’s all over. Tomorrow night, we’re going to walk across that stage and be handed what is rightfully ours.”
“You got that right. Twelve years of hell for one silly little piece of paper.” Pete lets out a huge sigh of relief. “You got any plans to celebrate tonight?”
“I’m going to have Becky over for dinner,” replied Toby, referring to his girlfriend.
“So I see you two are still together?” questioned Pete sarcastically.
“You better believe it!” cried Toby. “As of Tuesday, we’ll have been together for three months.”
“And she still hasn’t let you touch her yet?” asked Pete with a grin.
“No.” Toby suddenly frowned a bit. “But I’m going to lay the charm on tonight. We have the whole house to ourselves. If she’s feeling a bit frisky, good things might just happen.”
“Well good luck with that,” said Pete pessimistically.
“I’m in like Flynn dude. I don’t need any luck,” replied Toby overconfidently.
“Well if you forget how all the parts work down there, don’t hesitate to give me a call,” Pete cracked.
“Dude, shut up!” Toby said as he play-punched Pete in the shoulder. Right at that moment, Pete pulled into Toby’s driveway.
“Well, thanks for the ride as usual, even though you can be a prick sometimes,” said Toby.
“It’s all part of being truly awesome,” said Pete, half-joking. “See you tomorrow, bring me good news!”
“I will try!” Toby headed inside his house with a bounce in his step. Pete backed out of the driveway and headed home, giving Toby a goodbye honk as he sped away.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, another upcoming graduate of Lakeland High, Brandon Adams is just getting home to his and his father’s apartment. He throws his keys on the table, and starts to flip through the mail in an attempt to decide if any of it could actually belong to him.
“Dad? Are you home?” yelled Brandon just as his father comes out of the bedroom.
“Hi Brandon, how was school?” asked Mr. Adams as he walked into the living room.
“Awesome!” replied an exuberant Brandon. “Mr. Knox let us arm wrestle each other for the entire period!”
“Wow, it’s so good to see my tax dollars going to such good use,” cried Mr. Adams. “So I believe you have something for me?”
“What? Oh, my report card?” said Brandon, playing dumb a little.
“Fork it over.” Although Brandon was hesitant, he still handed over his report card to his father. Mr. Adams opened it up, and breezed over it. There were a few long seconds of quiet before he spoke to his son.
“Not too bad,” said Mr. Adams. “I was worried about your Physics class, especially after that long talk I had with Mr. Shrader. But I’m impressed, you pulled it together.”
“I worked my butt off for that C!” explained Brandon.
“Listen, Brandon. I want to have a quick talk with you if you don’t mind,” said Mr. Adams, changing the upbeat mood.
“Sure, what’s up?” asked Brandon quizzically.
“Please have a seat.” The two men slowly walk over to the kitchen table and sit down. Conversations like this were rare, so this meant something major was about to come up.
“First of all,” said Mr. Adams, “I want to say that I’m really proud of you for pulling up your grades. You’ve done an excellent job.”
“Thanks Dad, that means a lot.”
“Brandon, today is June first. You never applied to any colleges, and you’re way past any admissions deadline. I’m going to have to assume at this point that you’re just not interested.” Mr. Adams hadn’t really pressured Brandon about college up to this point. He was waiting for Brandon to make that decision, and now that it’s too late, a look of shear disappointment and regret crosses Brandon’s eyes.
“I guess not. I’m sorry,” Brandon replied.
“Well, here’s the deal,” Mr. Adams said, “I spoke with my boss at the factory today, and he said he’d be willing to hire you full time.”
“Hire me at your factory? What would I be doing?” asked Brandon, who’s entire world just crashed down around him.
“Assembly line, basic finishing, and maybe after a few months, some entry level office work. Since your car payments go into your name in two months when you turn eighteen, it really leaves you no choice,” said Mr. Adams directly.
“I guess not,” said Brandon with a sad demeanor. There’s a few seconds of silence. It’s as if Brandon has just punished himself for quitting his studies.
“Don’t worry about it too much,” said Mr. Adams. “You’ll be just fine. Plus it’ll be nice to make a few bucks on the side.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” said Brandon, still frowning.
“So what do you say?” There are another few seconds of silence as Brandon ponders this rather forcible offer.
“Um, can you ask me later? This is all a bit too much right now,” said Brandon meekly.
“Well, give it some real thought. Sleep on it, and tell me what you want to do tomorrow. Besides, that’s not the only reason I wanted to talk to you.”
“Okay?” Brandon perked up a little because he had a sneaking suspicion where this part of the conversation was headed. Just at that moment, Mr. Adams reached into the ledger sitting at the table, and tore out a crisp, clean check. “I don’t think you’re going to get very far at senior week without this,” he said, handing the check over to Brandon. Suddenly, Brandon had perked up quite a bit.
“Oh my God, Dad, this is a check for two thousand dollars!” Brandon exclaimed.
“Your mom and I want you to have a good time with your friends. But remember, that money is for the hotel rooms and nothing else! I expect to get every penny back when you return with no exceptions!”
“Of course!” said Brandon with great excitement.
“Now don’t let me down!”
“I won’t Dad, I promise.” Mr. Adams stood up and extended his hand to his son. Brandon follows suit.
“Welcome to adulthood, son,” Mr. Adams said shaking Brandon’s hand.
“Thanks Dad,” Brandon said confidently.
* * * * *
Although Brandon is getting ready to enter adulthood, Toby is, well, okay Toby is also ready to enter adulthood. Just in the fun way. It’s pretty obvious though that no one told him that too much cologne is a bad thing. Half a bottle of Stetson later, some Tommy Hilfiger threads, and our young hero is ready for action.
However, just as soon as he finished throwing five oversized Magnums in his wallet, the phone rang.
“Hello? Oh hi Becky! What’s up?” Suddenly, Toby went from elated to horribly concerned. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?” And then horribly concerned went to complete frustration and even a little denial. “I can change! Honestly, I can! Please, don’t do this to me now.” There are a few seconds of very, very awkward silence. “No, it’s okay, really. Really. Take care of yourself,” said Toby as he slowly set down his cell phone.
Like with most tragic events, Toby’s initial reaction was to shrug this off. He started putting all of his things away like nothing had happened. But after a few minutes, his actions slowed down, and like a tidal wave, the last three months of awesomeness had come to a bitter, bitter end. With a lone tear on his cheek, he called Pete.
CHAPTER 2
PETE’S ADVICE SUCKS. In fact, Toby had to dial him three times before Pete would even answer his call. But this time, it was for an excellent reason. Pete was being offered a job at Donny’s Pizza, a local chain that somehow stays in business, through many generations of various infestations.
As a means of checking out his new employer, and also as a means of attempting to cheer up Toby, Pete took him out for deep dish. Donny’s was their comfort food, and the place they went to when they needed walls of reassurance.
“Becky was the one, dude,” said Toby weakly as the two comrades waited for their pizza.
“No she wasn’t. She just wasn’t mature enough for you,” replied Pete.
“But she’s so hot! Very attractive girl. So my type.”
“She’s not worth it!” exclaimed Pete somewhat passionately. “There are so many other fish in the sea, it’s not even funny. You’ll find someone wonderful really soon.”
“Come on, she said I worry too much!” yelled Toby.
“So?” asked Pete.
“I was so worried that was how it was going to end,” said Toby, not understanding a bit of the irony in that statement. Pete responded by rolling his eyes at him. Just at that moment, Brandon comes in and sits down with them.
“Hey ladies!” yelled Brandon with his brand new still-in-the-package cap and gown in hand.
“Hey Brandon,” said Pete. “What’s with the cap and gown? Graduation isn’t until tomorrow.”
“It just came in. I missed the deadline to get one through school so I had to buy one on Craigslist. These aren’t the girl colors right?”
Toby looks at it long and hard. “Yeah, the girls wear white. Dudes wear blue.”
“These are the girl colors?! Dammit, that’s the last time I ever buy anything from Pablo.” Brandon threw the cap-and-gown in the trash.
“Speaking of girls and true colors, did you hear the news Brandon?” asked Toby.
“What news?” asked Brandon.
“I’m a single man again. Becky shit-canned me over the phone tonight,” Toby put his head back in his arms after mentioning this.
“No way! What the fuck happened?” Brandon seemed almost concerned.
“She dumped me for worrying too much. Do I really worry that much?” asked Toby.
“You worry about everything!” said Brandon. “I’ll bet you dinner you’re worried they’ll put anchovies on your pizza.”
“So what? They’re too salty for me!” replied Toby. “Wait a second. I see where this is going. Or do I?”
Pete had to interject at this point. “So Brandon what’s this hullabaloo you left on Friendster about working at a factory? I thought you didn’t have to work until after you graduated college.”
Brandon took a few seconds to breathe, and then let it out. “I’m not going to college. It’s just not for me.”
“You know what, Brandon? Fuck college!” replied Pete, passionately. “It’s a complete waste of time and money. Getting a job and making money is where it’s at! Hell, I just got hired at this place. I start Monday.”
“That’s awesome, dude!” said Brandon.
“Yeah man, six bucks an hour plus tips. I can’t complain,” said Pete.
“So wait a second,” said Toby. “If both of you are working this summer, that’s going to kill all of our plans! Summer vacation is now officially gone! Now what the hell am I going to do with all my free time?”
“No, it doesn’t kill everything,” replied Pete. “We still have senior week!”
“Very true,” added Brandon as he pulls out the check from his back pocket, now well-crumpled with a tiny rip on the corner. “And this is our golden ticket. Two thousand big ones, right here.”
“You got the money? That’s fucking awesome!” yelled Pete way too loudly for a public place.
“Now, don’t get too excited,” said Brandon. “This is only a loan. We have to pay my father back as soon as we get home. So on that note, how many fine ladies did you guys score to take down the ocean with us?”
Pete and Toby are washed over with utter confusion. “Brandon, that was your job to find guests, don’t you remember?” said Pete.
“No,” replied an equally confused Brandon, “That was your job!” he said to Toby.
“Wait, no, I thought that was your job,” Toby said to Pete.
“NO ONE PLANNED SENIOR WEEK? FUCK!” yelled all three at the same time. At which point, the on-duty manager approached the boys, and had them removed from the premises. Luckily for Pete, this was the weekend manager who had no idea that Pete was his newest employee.
* * * * *
Outside in the parking lot, the boys passed around a six-month old pack of cigarettes. None of them actually smoke. They just pretend to look cool when they stand in parking lots.
“Alright, let’s closely examine the situation,” said Brandon as he attempts to take charge. “We have three empty hotel rooms reserved. Each room has two twin-sized beds. Therefore, we need to find at least six other people to go down the ocean with us, and we have two days to do it.”
“That’s great, but how?” replied Toby. “I think we should just cancel the whole thing and get our money back. I’m sure we’ll find something good on TV next week instead.”
“Are you fucktarded?” screamed Brandon. “No way! I’m not giving up Senior Week for anything! We’re high school graduates for crying out loud, I’m sure we can think of something.” At which point, they take a few seconds of silence to think and brainstorm some ideas.
“I know,” said Pete. “Maybe we can put an ad in the city newspaper?”
“No, it’ll never print in time,” replied Brandon. “I know! Maybe we could go downtown and pass out flyers?”
“No,” said Pete. “We might attract homeless people, criminals, druggies, or even worse, fat chicks.” The three boys shudder at this thought.
“Well, that might not necessarily be a bad thing” replied Toby. The other boys looked him with a mild level of disgust. “I mean, yeah that would really suck,” he added.
“Come on guys,” said Brandon. “We have to think of a logical and preferably legal way to get people we don’t know to hotel rooms we can’t afford. It can’t be that hard, right?”
At that exact moment, one of the Donny’s Pizza delivery drivers bursts out of the door of the shop. With a pizza in his left hand and a bottle of Coke in his right, he slides over the hood of his car. Opening the doors with a keypad in his teeth, he kicks the door open, and within two seconds, speeds out of the parking lot making his delivery.
“That guy is my hero,” said Pete wistfully wanting to be him.
“He jumped in that car like he was in the Cannonball Run or something,” said Toby quietly. And just like that, genius strikes Brandon like a bolt of lightning. One can almost see a light bulb over his head with the naked eye.
“That’s it!” yelled Brandon.
“What’s it?” asked Toby.
“Men, we have research to do,” Brandon yelled as he ran towards his car. “Be at my house in ten minutes. Do you hear me? Ten minutes!!”
CHAPTER 3
THE NEXT DAY, Pete and Toby arrive at Brandon’s apartment, all decked out in their caps and gowns, humming Pomp and Circumstance as they walk in.
“You guys are a several hours late,” said Brandon snidely. “I thought you guys were going to show up before we graduated, not several hours after the fact.”
“Well, you know,” replied Pete.
“Anyway,” said Brandon leading the boys over to his computer. “Check this shit. This is Cannonblog.com, a web log from the last known Cannonball Run.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Pete.
“You guys don’t remember this?” replied Brandon. “For years, there was a top secret underground no-holds-barred car race that ran from The Block in Baltimore to the Party Block in Ocean City. It started at midnight and ran into the morning. It ended because some jackass thought it would be a great idea to advertise it on the Internet via this website. Needless to say more than a few cops showed up to crash the party.”
“So what does this have to do with us?” asked Toby.
“If we reinstate the race, and offer a free bed to the winner, we’ll easily get six people to go down the ocean with us.”
“I see a lot of issues with this,” Toby said quietly. He wasn’t convinced yet.
“Like what?” asked Brandon.
“Well, first off,” attested Toby, “if people speed and they get tickets, then we’re going to have to pay for those tickets.”
“Why?” replied Brandon. “If they speed, that’s their own decision to do so. We’re not holding a gun to their head telling them to go over the speed limit.”
“Okay,” said Toby, “But what if their cars break down during the trip? Then we would be held responsible.”
“No,” said Brandon with increasing anger, “that means they should have done a better job maintaining said cars.”
“That’s all well and good, but graduation is already over. Where are we going to find people?” asked Toby.
“Here’s what I was thinking,” replied Brandon, as he runs over to his other desk to grab a sharpie and a sheet of paper. He scribbles a few words down and shows it to the guys. It’s a sign that reads:
*** ORAL SEX HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CANNONBALL RUN. TONITE!! ***
“And you actually plan on presenting this sign in public?” asked Pete.
“Yes,” said Brandon. “What do you think?” There was silence.
However, that did not stop the gruesome threesome from taking their high-quality sign to the large strip mall right down the street. By standing in the parking lot, the group attempted to garner interest simply by waving the sign at customers.
“Wow, just when I thought we couldn’t be more of a royal spectacle,” said Pete.
“Dude, we’ve been out here for two hours,” exclaimed a rather pessimistic Toby. “We got two signatures, Heywood Jablowmi and Hugh Jass. Something tells me, I dunno, just a little something inside, tells me they weren’t being serious.”
“Gee, you think? Come on guys, where’s your team spirit?” Brandon was getting a little worked up.
“Look around you! Mall security has stared at us like four times already,” replied Toby.
“Yeah? And if we keep misbehaving they may stare at us a fifth time. We’re in a public place, they can’t do anything to us!” said Brandon. “Wait, I see someone, check this out. This is how it’s done.”
Brandon ran over to a rather attractive girl walking towards her car in the parking lot. “Hey there! Got any plans for senior week? I got a bed down at the beach with your name on it!” The girl smacked Brandon straight across his right cheek with the greatest of passion, and then quickly walked away.
“Thanks!” yelled Brandon. He turned back towards the guys rubbing his cheek. “That was rude, don’t you think?” he asked rhetorically.
“Look,” interjected Pete, “The fact that we’re all standing around in a parking lot isn’t helping, so here’s what we’re going to do. Toby, since you’re so anxious to get out of here, you’re going to come with me and we’ll get the car prepped for the trip. Brandon, I’ll be at your house at six o’clock sharp. At which point, if you don’t have enough signatures, then you owe us a prime rib dinner for putting us through all this shit.”
“You’re on,” said Brandon as the two shook hands harshly.
“Good luck, keep me posted,” said Pete, as he and Toby headed away from Brandon.
“Pussies,” whispered Brandon who was now left alone in the parking lot with a handwritten sign advocating oral sex. He too disappeared shortly thereafter.
* * * * *
Six o’clock rolls by. Pete and Toby are walking down the hallway towards Brandon’s apartment, and when they get there they knock loudly on his door.
“Look, it’s not that I don’t have faith in the guy,” said Toby, “I just don’t think he knows what he’s getting himself into.”
“Well, there were definitely a lot of people coming in and out of that mall when we were leaving,” replied Pete. “Maybe Brandon got lucky? Then again, knowing him, he probably didn’t.”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out,” said Toby just as Brandon opens the door and shoves a list of signatures in his face.
“Read ‘em and weep, ladies!” bragged Brandon, “Now those are some valuable autographs! I told you dumbasses to have some faith in me.” The boys walk in, and plopped themselves down on Brandon’s sofa.
“That’s outstanding! But I need to know, how the hell did you get all those signatures?” asked Pete.
“Three words, novelty gift shops,” replied Brandon.
“That’s great,” added Pete, “Now we just have to get down the ocean in one piece. Their money is no good to us if we wreck out.”
Brandon starts taking off his shoes. “Well, if someone can’t survive a three-hour trip to the beach, then they shouldn’t be driving in the first place,” he said.
“Yeah, but the S.S. Minnow went on a three-hour trip and look what happened to them!” said Toby. At which point, Brandon grabbed one of his shoes and threw it at him.
“Ow,” replied Toby.
Brandon stands above the boys and takes a firm position as if he’s leading them into war. “Okay, real quick, let’s go over the game plan,” he said. “Tonight, the participants will arrive at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club on the Block in Baltimore around midnight. My friend Steve will be waiting at the Party Block in Ocean City to flag in the winner. First place finish gets a free bed in one of our rooms. Everyone else will be glad to pay, because all the other hotels have no vacancies. It couldn’t be simpler!”
“Whoa, wait a second,” yelled Pete. “Who’s Steve?”
“He’s a friend of mine who’s living down the ocean for the summer,” replied Brandon.
“You mean the same Steve who moved to Cancun?” asked Toby.
“He didn’t move to Cancun, he moved to Ocean City,” replied Brandon.
“Well, you better double check your facts there,” said Pete. “Something tells me he may not be able to flag down anyone in a whole other country.”
“Shut up, I’m calling him now,” said Brandon as he pulls out his cell phone. He ran outside with a bag of trash. A few very short seconds later, he returned tucking his phone back into his pocket. “Okay, you’re right, I’m wrong. Next plan, we need someone to get down there right now. Someone with no life, who will pretty much do whatever we ask.”
“Eric Bloom!” said all three boys at the same time. Eric is a very nice, but awkward guy that they all graduated with. Again, Brandon quickly pulled out his phone.
“Hey Eric,” said Brandon as he activated the speakerphone, “This is Brandon Adams from school.”
“Oh hey, what’s up man?” said Eric from his home.
“Not much. Just curious, do you have plans for Senior Week?” asked Brandon.
“Nah, why?” replied Eric.
“We have an extra bed at the Quality Inn and its all yours if you do us a huge favor,” said Brandon. “Can you wave a checkered flag for the grand prizewinner of our race?” There is a very awkward silence before Eric responds.
“Um, I don’t know if I can dignify that with a response. Is this some kind of weird sex thing?” asked Eric nervously.
“No. No! What the fuck, no, we’re having a race to see who can get there first.” Brandon was a little flabbergasted by this.
“Oh, I guess that makes more sense,” said Eric somewhat relieved. “Sure, no problem, when should I be there?”
“Leave soon, we kick it off at midnight,” replied Brandon.
“Okay,” said Eric. “But if I find out this is a weird sex thing, I’m coming straight home.”
“It’s not a weird sex thing!! Just give them my name when you get there.” And then Brandon hung up. “What the hell is this guy’s malfunction?” Brandon asked rhetorically. “Oh well, he’s in and that’s all that matters.”
CHAPTER 4
THE SUN WENT DOWN as Pete and Toby left Brandon’s apartment. Pete spent a majority of the evening back at his house with Toby packing his stuff. Somehow, Pete managed to get everything he needed for an entire week into two small suitcases. This was easy for each one to take a suitcase and throw into the trunk of Pete’s Sunfire. There wasn’t a rush, since they left with plenty of time to spare.
“Is this all you’re taking?” asked Toby.
“I believe so,” replied Pete, as he slammed the door of the trunk down. “I can’t believe Brandon actually got all those people to sign up. If they all show up, I think we’ll have a really good race.”
“I can’t believe you’re driving this particular car down the ocean,” said Toby.
“What’s wrong with this car?” asked Pete inquisitively.
“This thing is a death trap! One wrong turn and the whole thing might just explode!” said Toby, somewhat seriously.
“This car is brand new!” said Pete defensively. “It’s only a year old. If anything, it just needs an oil change.”
“It just needs to be replaced by a fiery red Porsche,” said Toby in response.
“Sure,” quipped Pete. “Let me just reach down my pants and pull one out of my asshole! No Porsche! We’re driving my baby. Now put the damn bag in so we can get out of here on time.”
“All I’m saying is that there are going to be people there who have had their cars pictured in the school yearbook. Cars that can break the sound barrier! I’m just not looking forward to that kind of public humiliation,” Toby said, probably worrying.
“Toby, get in,” said Pete as the two jumped into the car, and pulled off on their drive to the starting point.
* * * * *
The ride down to the Hustler Club was interesting to say the least. Pete and Toby passed through some of the more “cultural” sections of Baltimore, since Pete wanted to avoid the highways until the race began.
“Dude, what are we doing here?” asked Toby very nervously.
“We’re going to the bar, remember?” said Pete.
“It looks like they’re testing missiles in this neighborhood,” said Toby.
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. Maybe they’re very good people who just haven’t kept up on their cleaning lately,” replied Pete.
They came to a stop at a very sleazy corner. On one side is a boarded up liquor store, and on the other side is an abandoned porn shop.
“Hey Pete,” said Toby. “Why are those guys in blue bandanas looking at us?”
“I don’t think they’re looking at us,” said Pete. “I think they’re looking at those guys in red bandanas.” There was a brief silence until they realized exactly what that meant.
“Um,” said Toby. “Floor it!” Suddenly, Pete ran the red light they were stopped at, and hauled ass down the decayed streets until they came to the main highway.
“Okay, I think we’re okay now. We’ll just remember not to go back that way on the way home. Or ever again,” said Pete.
“Pete, I’m worried,” said Toby out of nowhere.
“No shit, you’re worried,” responded Pete. “I told you, I think we’re okay now!”
“Not about that, about the race. I just don’t know if this is such a good idea,” cried Toby. “I mean do you really think this is worth all of this trouble? I’m sure we can find two thousand dollars somewhere else.”
“Toby, listen,” said Pete in a parental fashion. “You gotta remember that this race isn’t about winning or losing. It’s about you and me and Brandon having the time of our lives. Let me clue you in a little bit about what goes on at Senior Week. It is one gigantic week-long celebration! There are going to be so many easy women running around in bikinis, you won’t know which one to take down first. There will be a party in every room, and you’ll be invited to every single one of them. You’ll drink more liquor than you ever thought existed. Does that sound a little better now?”
“Yeah, I guess so,” said Toby nervously. “I’m sure I’ll be fine once we’re actually headed down the ocean, but just let me ease into this, okay?”
“I’m setting a mission for you, right here, right now,” said Pete, putting one hand on Toby’s shoulder. “You are not to come back home until you’ve experienced at least one hangover, sex with a female, sex with two females at the same time, and finally, sex with either one or two females while hungover. Are you down with that?”
“Hey, there’s the club,” interrupted Toby.
Pete rolled his eyes back at Toby, as he pulled into an empty parking spot in front of Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club on Baltimore Street. Upon getting out of the car, the boys looked around at the environment they were in. This was not the quiet suburban street they were used to, but it wasn’t as dangerous as the neighborhood they had just left. They were on the most infamous block in Baltimore, full of strip clubs, two-bit dive bars, and a decent Subway sandwich shop.
“I’m not comfortable here,” said Toby. “Where are we?”
“This place is a dump!” replied Pete nervously. “I really question why the last race started here.”
“Complete lack of police presence?” replied Toby.
“You’re very smart,” said Pete. “Are we the first ones here? I hope we’re not too early.”
“Actually we’re ten minutes late,” replied Toby.
“Well then,” said Pete. “We’ll just hang out here until people start showing up.”
Just then, a black Ford Focus pulled around from the highway, and parked in front of Pollack Johnny’s. Annie Shuler and her best friend Christy Johnson got out of the car slowly, hanging close together as they try to see if anyone they know is in the vicinity.
“This is really sketchy. Why did we agree to meet here?” asked Christy.
“Because it’s the only way we could get a room,” replied Annie. “Besides, it’s been a bad month for me and I want to do something fun.”
“How many rest stops are there on the way down to Ocean City?” asked Christy.
“None, because I want to win this thing. If you didn’t drink so much water, we wouldn’t have to worry about it,” responded Annie somewhat seriously, as she took the bottle of water out of Christy’s hand and threw it in the trash.
“Sorry,” said Christy. “I get thirsty.”
Pete sees the girls arrive out of the corner of his eye. “Sweet Jesus!” he said excitedly. “You see who just pulled up over there? That’s Annie Shuler, she just graduated from St. John’s. Catholic school girl all the way!”
“How do you know her?” asked Toby.
“We met at the junior dance last year, and I’ve been thinking about her ever since,” said Pete longingly. God, I hope she’s racing with us!”
“Her friend is cute too,” said Toby.
“They might be single, let’s go talk to them!” yelled Pete as he dragged Toby towards their car.
“Oh my God,” said Christy. “There are two really creepy guys coming over here. What do we do?”
“Relax,” said Annie, “I know them, they’re Lakeland kids.”
“Oh, I see,” said Christy. “They’re still creepy though.”
“Annie Shuler!” said Pete as he hugged Annie somewhat uncomfortably. “How the hell are you?” Annie glared back at him.
“Hi Pete. I’m good. How about yourself?” Annie asked half-heartedly.
“Can’t complain. I don’t think I’ve met your friend however. I’m Pete Canton, I just graduated from Lakeland High yesterday.”
“I’m Christy,” she replied.
“And this is my awesome and single friend Toby Weiss,” said Pete.
“Hi,” said Toby shyly.
“So, I guess you guys are racing with us?” asked Pete.
“I guess so,” said Annie, which was followed by a rather long uncomfortable silence.
“Yeah man,” said Pete, “I wouldn’t turn down a free hotel room at senior week for anything!”
“Same here,” said Annie. “What are you racing with?”
“The Sunfire over there,” said Pete as he pointed narcissistically at his car. “I only have about 10,000 miles on it, so I’m hoping it’s got a few more years to go.”
“And you expect it to hold up for the trip?” asked Annie with a grin.
“Of course, it’s a sports car!” said Pete.
“It wants to be a sports car,” replied Annie. Pete gave her a silly, pouty look. “Well, we have some work on our own car, so we’ll catch up with you in a little bit, okay?”
“Oh,” said Pete, “Sure, no problem.”
At that moment, a rather tall, somewhat muscular guy in a Jerome Bettis Steelers home jersey and ripped up jeans comes running around the corner, and picks up Annie and puts her in an airplane spin.
“Nauseous Annie! Nauseous Annie!” he yelled as she shrieked.
“Craig, put me down!” she yelled laughing. He did put her down. “Craig, you are so bad!”
“Still dreaming about me nightly?” he asked.
“Don’t flatter yourself, buddy,” Annie responded somewhat flirtatiously.
“Hey, do you want to check out the fog lights on my new Thunderbird?” Craig asked Annie.
“Of course!” she said excitedly as her and Christy follow Craig back towards his car, which is apparently parked in the garage across the street.
“Yeah, she’s eating right out of the palm of your hand,” said Toby sarcastically.
“Shut up dicklick, she only got distracted because of his car,” said Pete rather frustrated.
“Well, unlike yours, it actually is a sports car,” said Toby.
“That’s fine, but a sports car can’t keep you warm at night,” answered back Pete.
“It does if it has a nice heater,” answered back Toby.
“Okay, new rules!” interjected Pete loudly. “Forget everything I said earlier. It is now about winning. If I can beat the almighty Craig Packard at his own game, then she’ll have no choice but to fall for me.”
Toby shook his head at Pete, just as Brandon peeled around the corner. He double parks behind Pete’s car, and jumps out excitedly. Running over to Pete and Toby, he’s holding a small green flag.
“Hey bitches, you like the flag?” asked Brandon.
“Where did you get that from?” asked Toby right back.
“I got it from a Bangladesh thrift store,” said Brandon. “It’s their national flag; you’ll just have to ignore the red circle in the middle. So who’s here so far?”
“Annie Shuler is here,” said Pete with a grin.
“Did you give her a rundown of the night?” asked Brandon seriously.
“No, that’s what you’re here for,” replied Pete.
“Come on guys, this is serious business!” yelled Brandon angrily. “My father’s money is not going to waste. We need to make sure our guests are comfortable! Geez, alright, look, there should be about six people total showing up. I’ll be talking to the girls if you need me.” Brandon then stormed off to find Annie.
“Asshole,” said Pete and Toby in unison.
“Who’s the asshole?” said a strange man from behind Pete. They turn around to see who it is. Behind them are Neal Roberts and Ashley Winters, the most popular kids in school. They are standing in front of his Dodge Viper, and are dressed to the nines. He looks like he’s straight out of an Eddie Bauer ad, and her polo shirt, ruffled skirt, and stilettos just scream egomaniac.
“Holy shit it’s the prom king,” said Pete.
“And the prom queen,” replied Neal. “You can’t leave out perfection.”
“What the fuck is that joke doing in our way?” asked Ashley pretentiously to Neal.
“Ah, a Pontiac Sunfire. Someone is trying too hard,” replied Neal as they walk away from them.
Pete then started following them. “I’m going to choke ‘em and you’re my witness,” he said maniacally. Toby then jumped in and stopped him from making any silly decisions.
“Fuck ‘em. We’re gonna win, right?” said Toby.
“Damn straight,” said Pete.
“Damn straight, indeed!” replied Toby as the two quickly shook hands.
Shortly thereafter, a run down Honda Civic from the mid 1980’s coasting on fumes sputtered down Baltimore Street and glided to a stop near the 2 O’Clock Club. The driver, dressed to look like he was coming straight out of a Marilyn Manson music video, strolled over to the group.
“Hold on, look who just showed up. That’s Matthew Miseroski!” said Pete curiously.
“That’s the freak everyone calls Matthew Misery!” said Toby. “He bit the head off of a rat at the Christmas pageant last year.”
“He should be disqualified,” replied Pete. “One, he’s a junior. Two, he’s a fucking lunatic.”
“I don’t think Brandon would do that,” said Toby. “To him, Matthew is just another tenant paying rent.”
“Well if he starts up with his spooky wizard shit, you just let me know so I can control my laughter,” Pete said laughing.
Matthew strolled by the boys staring at them with eyes so creepy they would make Satan weep. He went over to Brandon who just finished updating the girls about the trip.
“Hey,” said Matthew quietly, poking Brandon in the back with his long, scary finger.
“Matthew Misery! What a surprise!” said Brandon half-joking.
“I came up here to tell you that this race is a stupid idea, and I hope none of you make it to the beach in one piece,” said Matthew with a snarl.
“So you’re obviously not here to race with us,” replied Brandon. “Well, that’s okay. So long as you don’t bite our heads off while singing Jingle Bells, we’ll be just fine.” Brandon laughed and then turned his back to Matthew. Matthew then pulled him back around.
“You know, you’re a real jerk off,” said Matthew.
“Oh yeah?” replied Brandon. “Well, you wouldn’t belong at the beach anyway you vampire. Wouldn’t sunlight kill you?”
“You’re going to be sorry you fucked with me Adams!” screamed Matthew as he stormed back towards his car. In a flash, Matthew got out of there.
“What a weirdo,” said Brandon. “Anyway, it’s time to get this party started.” He stood up on the steps of the Hustler Club, and addressed the racers.
“Everyone! Gather around, I want to have a few words.” The group then did just that, they gathered around Brandon as if he was going to make the speech of the century. “First of all, I’d like to thank you all for coming down here tonight.”
“Hey!” interrupted the nearly seven-foot tall Hustler Club bouncer who stepped outside. “Come inside or get off the damn steps!”
“Yes sir!” squeaked Brandon. Needless to say, without the slightest amount of hesitation, he stepped down. “Like I was saying, I know this is all on very short notice, but your participation in this event is greatly appreciated. Let me briefly explain tonight’s agenda. For everyone here, there is a room booked at the Quality Inn on Fourth Street with your name on it. The race will start at the stop light right over there on President Street and end at the front door of the hotel. Eric Bloom is already down there, and he will personally congratulate the winner. All of you will get your room, but you will pay for it at check in. The winner of the race will get their room for free. The rules are simple: stay safe and get there first. Check out time is next Sunday at eleven, so I hope you all have plenty of gear to get your through the week. If there are no further questions, we’ll get this thing underway! The race begins when I wave the green flag.”
All of the participants give a brief round of applause to each other and start to head back to their cars.
“I’ve always wanted to say this,” said Brandon. “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!”
The clock was just about ready to strike midnight. With the same anticipation as a New Years Eve celebration, the racers line up two by two.
“Ready!” Brandon shouted with the green flag in his hand. Each car revs their engine as they pull forward to the signal.
“Set!” With intense anticipation the cars start to creep forward a little bit more, eagerly awaiting the signal.
“Go!!!” As the light turns green, all four cars shoot out of the gate down Baltimore Street, followed by three police cars with their sirens blaring because apparently no one realized that The Block was actually located right behind the Baltimore City Police Department Headquarters. Since technically no laws had been broken yet, everyone was simply sent home with a strict warning.
CHAPTER 5
EVERYONE MET AT TULLY’S about an hour later, which is a bar approximately 20 miles north of the Block. It was a lot quieter, and there wasn’t a police station right next door. Plus there were no stoplights on the way to the highway.
This time, the race went off without a hitch! All four cars got out of the gate at exactly the same time, and it was a close start.
Pete and Toby took an early lead within minutes, as Pete cut off Craig just in time to jump onto the on-ramp of I-95. Fearing Craig would make a sudden push back to first place, Neal pulls around Craig pushing him back to third. Annie and Christy started out trailing everyone, not counting Brandon who had gotten out late due to waving the green flag.
“Alright,” said Pete excitedly. “If we keep this pace, we’ll be there in two hours flat.”
“You do remember how to get there don’t you?” asked Toby.
“Uhh, yeah, I was there once when I was ten. It’s pretty straightforward. We take this road south through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel until it splits into two spurs. We take the right spur and stay the course until we reach the beach. Very simple stuff, my friend. Although, we absolutely have to take the right spur, or we’ll end up in parts unknown.”
“Okay,” replied Toby unsurely, “Well, if you say we’re good, I’ll believe you.” Then Toby’s doubt turned into excitement. “I can’t believe we’re really doing this!”
“Me neither dude, this is so much fun!” said Pete with a big grin on his face. “Listen, why don’t you go ahead and give me the two dollars for the toll now before I forget.” There was an uncomfortable pause.
“Uh, bringing the toll money was your job,” said Toby.
“No, that was your job.” Pete suddenly went from excited to extremely concerned.
“So you’re saying we have no toll money?” Toby was now just as concerned.
“Dammit, Toby. Thanks a lot, now we’re fucked!” Pete slammed his hand against the steering wheel.
“How in the world can you go around without two dollars on you?” asked Toby in a panic. “Two fucking dollars!”
“I’ll bet you forgot about the Bay Bridge too, didn’t you?” said Pete with another uncomfortable pause.
“What’s the Bay Bridge?” asked Toby. At which point Pete again slammed his head against the steering wheel. Twice.
* * * * *
Back at Tully’s, Brandon is finally in his car and heading into the fray. It’s almost as if he’s holding back in the event this becomes a major police matter again. Nevertheless, he quickly gets on his cell phone and calls Eric.
“Hey Eric, it’s Brandon.”
“Dude! Guess what, I met a girl on the beach!” Eric said excitedly in his hotel bathroom while standing in his boxers and shaving.
“That’s great, I’m glad to hear that,” mumbled Brandon.
“Yeah, and she only cost me about $200!” yelled Eric. “When are you going to be here, she said she’d cut you a break too…”
“No, dude, no,” said Brandon startled. “Hey, no, listen, we just started the race, we should be there in about two hours.”
“Two hours? You want me to entertain this broad for another two hours? What the hell, Brandon? Do you think I’m made of money?” asked Eric.
“Hey, you wouldn’t have that room if I didn’t let you have it. You have a job to do!” Brandon yelled.
“Let me guess,” whined Eric. “You want me to stand at the door of the hotel waving a checkered flag.”
“Yes, you do have one, don’t you?” asked Brandon.
“Why yes, of course I do,” said Eric very sarcastically, “I keep one on me at all times for major emergencies; of course I don’t own a checkered flag!!”
“Jeez, you don’t have to get all uppity with me,” bitched Brandon. “Just use streamer tape or something.”
“I make no guarantees.” At which point Eric hangs up the phone on Brandon.
“Fuck!” Brandon was not happy. “I knew I couldn’t trust him,” Brandon said out loud to himself. “I guess I’d better get down there and make sure this gets done fair and square. Alright asshats, get out of my way!”
Within seconds, Brandon puts the pedal down and zooms past what little after-midnight traffic there is and quickly catches up to the gang.
“What the fuck is this?” asked Craig to himself, after seeing the headlights of Brandon come up and then pass by him. “Oh no you don’t, you’re not getting me Adams!”
Craig reached down into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone. “Hello, is this the police? Yes, I’d like to report a sex crime. His name is Brandon Adams, and he just flashed me in front of my house, and touched my daughter inappropriately. Well, he mentioned something about going down the ocean, but I was too upset. Thank you ma’am.”
Meanwhile, as Craig is talking on the phone, Neal pulls back around him. He then starts tailing the now first place Brandon.
“I’m going to admit something to you,” Neal said quietly. “I’m not totally for sure how to get there, so I’m going to follow the leader for a while before I take the lead.”
Ashley is playing on her cell phone, and isn’t paying a whole lot of attention. “I wonder what Danielle and Mandy are doing right now,” she said to no one in particular.
“Don’t look so bored, hun. Try to have some fun,” Neal said to her.
“Whatev.” Ashley flipped her hand at Neal and then turned to look out at the road.
“Sweetie, you’re moping,” said Neal.
“This is embarrassing!” cried Ashley. “What if someone sees me?”
“I know, but this is what we get for not planning this trip sooner,” said Neal. “Your big turning 18 party was priority for quite a while.”
“I’m thirsty, buy me a Slurpee,” whined Ashley. “You never do anything I want.”
“Yeah, never.” The ride suddenly became very quiet in their car. Even still, Neal is able to catch up to Brandon, and it has suddenly become a close race again. This causes Brandon to jet out a little further, and then eventually peel away, even though his car is shaking uncontrollably.
There is a great deal of roadwork going on at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, but that isn’t stopping Brandon from going nearly double the speed limit through the straight and narrow tunnel. However, upon coming out of the tunnel, sirens are blaring and a police car is right on his tail. Brandon is able to pull over quickly.
The cop gets out and walks very quickly towards the car, except this cop has his gun drawn! “Get out of the car and place your hands on top of your head!” The cop was not joking around in the slightest. Brandon did exactly as he said.
“Officer, if I may ask, what did I do?” asked Brandon nervously.
“You know damn well what you did, you little pervert!”
“There’s nothing illegal about this!”
“So it’s not a crime to you?” The officer said this as he started patting him down.
“No, I was just having a little innocent fun with my friends.” Brandon obviously had no idea what he was getting patted down for.
“Fun with your friends?” replied the officer. “This is a very serious matter, son.”
“Officer, with all due respect,” cried Brandon, “I didn’t think it was illegal to book rooms in Ocean City.”
“Oh, were you looking to continue the fun later with the poor girl?”
“There are several girls involved!” said Brandon.
“You disgust me more and more.” The officer then cuffed Brandon, and threw him into the back of his cruiser.
“Why?” asked Brandon frantically. “They’re paying me in cash for everything!”
“Shut up you sicko! You have the right to remain silent, although I would prefer it if you exercised that right for the rest of the night!” The officer slammed the door on Brandon, and quickly pulled off, leaving the Taurus on the side of the road.
Just then, Craig passed by Brandon’s car. “Success!” yelled Craig as he approached the toll booth. “That’s what you get for getting me suspended last year, you lying, ugly-ass motherfucker!”
Pete and Toby were next to pass by Brandon’s car, although they were a bit too distracted to notice that it is now abandoned on the side of the highway. “Come on man, don’t you have any cash at all?” asked Pete.
“I got a couple of pennies, that’s about it,” said Toby.
“Oh shit, here comes the toll booth!” Pete was starting to panic. “Toby, hang on, I got an idea.” At that moment, Pete floored it.
“Pete? Pete, what the hell are you doing? Pete!!” Within the blink of an eye, Pete blasted through the speed-pass lane, going right past Craig in the process. “Pete, why the hell did you do that? There’s going to be like ten cops on us now!”
“Will you chill out? Everything’s fine. They’ll just bill me for it later.” Toby then slowly raised his head towards Pete.
“Bill you?” asked a defeated Toby. “For two dollars?”
“Yup.”
“You mean, you made me look through all that change for nothing?”
“Sorry, I just didn’t want to send in a check for two dollars, it’s kind of embarrassing.”
“You suck.”
“Sorry! Now do me a favor, keep an eye out for the highway split. I know it’s coming up rather soon.” Just at that moment, the sign for the B-Spur goes whirring right past them.
“Um, it’s about 100 feet behind us,” said Toby quietly.
“What?”
“You totally passed it.”
“Dammit, now I don’t know where we are! Hang on.”
“Okay, if I’m not mistaken, you can go about a mile down the road, and then…” Toby is cut off when Pete suddenly spins the car around like in a bad action movie, and cuts through the emergency vehicle exit to get back on the other side.
Neal sees this, but won’t pull such a risky maneuver. “Whoa!” said Neal loudly.
“What?” Ashley finally jumps to attention.
“That Sunfire ahead of us just jumped the median! And I was following them; we’re going to have to turn around.”
“Good, we can stop then. I want my slurpee.” Neal glares back at her, shakes his head, and proceeds to make their way towards the exit.
Meanwhile, Annie and Christy were far enough behind that they don’t need to make the turnaround. “I don’t know where they’re going, but there definitely is no beach that way,” said Annie.
“You should probably try to pass them and get ‘em behind you,” replied Christy.
“Good idea.” Annie then quietly went by Pete and Toby as they tried to get back up to speed on the B-Spur after their heroic spin move.
“Hey look, there goes Annie and Christy,” said Toby, drawing attention to Pete. Meanwhile, Pete just smiles.
“Ah, Annie. Such a tenacious little vixen,” he said as he continued to smile.
* * * * *
The next day, after arriving at the Quality Inn, the sun is rising on a beautiful day in Ocean City. The rays of light glisten brightly over the soothing sound of the sea water beating rhythmically over the pristine sand. The boardwalk is still quiet, but stores are opening one by one.
At the hotel, Pete is buttoning up his funky Hawaiian shirt, when there’s a knock at his room door. It’s Annie, dressed for a nice, hot day in the sun.
“Are you ready?” asked Pete excitedly.
“Yup, let’s go!” replied Annie, with just as much excitement.
“We’re going to have a big day ahead of us,” said Pete, shutting the hotel room door behind him.
“I can’t wait!” The two walk together down the hallway of the hotel.
They are on the Boardwalk, when Pete sees the arcade. “Oooh, Skeeball!” yelled Pete as he grabbed Annie by the hand, and the two ran inside.
“I could play this all day,” said Annie laughing.
“Well then here you go,” said Pete as he handed a bunch of quarters to her.
“Oh, wow, this will definitely last a while! Thanks Pete!”
“Good luck!” And together, they both throw in their first quarter and start a few rounds of Skeeball.
That evening, they are walking hand-in-hand to the end of the boardwalk as the sun now begins to set over the gorgeous panorama of the Atlantic Ocean.
“This kind of reminds me when I was a kid,” said Annie wistfully. “We’d all come here and sit out on the beach all day.”
“Same with me,” said Pete with a little laugh, “except I never wanted to leave the arcades.”
“I can definitely see you doing that!” said Annie, laughing with him.
“Yeah, but we still had a lot of fun,” he said.
“Pete, I’m so glad you asked me to come out with you today. I don’t remember ever having this much fun.” Annie looked deeply into his eyes. She was serious.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said. “I’ve wanted this moment since the very first time I ever saw your pretty eyes. Annie, I love you.”
“Oh Pete. I love you too.” With their eyes closed, just as the sun goes down over the water, Pete and Annie kiss each other ever so gently.
Back at the hotel room, Pete is laying in bed watching TV. Annie comes out of the bathroom. “Hey sexy man,” she said. Pete turns over to her and sees that she’s wearing her school uniform. From her white shirt, to the little plaid skirt, all the way down to the shoes.
“Wow,” said Pete. “You really know how to knock a guy off his feet with that outfit.”
“I’ve been a bad girl, Mr. Canton. Class is in session, and I’m feeling very, very naughty,” she said as she drapes her legs over his body.
“I guess I should punish you then,” said Pete staring at her intense body.
“Pete?”
That wasn’t Annie’s voice. It was a man’s voice.
“Pete!?”
It was definitely a man’s voice, in fact, it was Toby’s voice. And they weren’t in Ocean City, they were on the highway. And they weren’t in a hotel room, they were dipping over onto the shoulder of I-97.
“PETE!?!?!”
“Huh? What? Oh. It’s you,” said Pete disappointedly.
“You’re all over the road, dude.” Toby seemed more than a tad upset.
“Damn. No offense, but you were a lot hotter in my imagination.”
“Um, do you want me to drive for a while?”
“No!”
“Just asking.” Toby then sat back, and let Pete proceed with the trip.
Meanwhile, Neal and Ashley are back on the highway after stopping. This put them back a little further than the rest of the pack up ahead.
“Are we back on the highway yet?” asked Ashley with a Mountain Dew Slurpee in her hand.
“Yeah, I just hope it’s the right road,” replied Neal.
“What do you mean you hope it’s the right road?”
“I don’t know, I’ve never driven this way before. I’m sorry.” Neal seems a little out of place. The highway itself is progressively getting darker and darker the further they go.
“Come on, this is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. If we go home now, maybe we’ll forget this ever happened.”
“Look, we’ll give it five more minutes. If nothing else shows up on the road, I’ll turn around.”
“Thank you.” Just at that moment, something did show up on the road. There was a gatehouse with both gates down and two men in full military fatigues standing outside of it. “Hey, what the hell is that?” asked Ashley.
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