“Follow this around to the left.”
She instructed Layla to park outside the lottery office.
“Ok, do you have something to tell me?” Layla grinned.
“I acted quickly on one of my dreams yesterday, when we stopped for gum, but it turns out it was not exactly just a dream.”
“Really?”
“I saw all the winning numbers as they were chosen for the Hot Lotto. So I played them just to see, and I won.”
“You won? YOU WON?”
“I saw the future. I’ve BEEN seeing the future and have not been able to tap into it fully, at least not yet.”
Layla gave her a big hug and kiss.
“Let’s get this over with. I’m starving.”
They went into the office to cash in her winning ticket. It was rather easy, all things considered. They informed her that the verification on large prizes such as hers took up to three weeks.
“I’m splitting it with you Supergirl,” Denise said.
“Why?”
Denise just smiled and got in the Mustang. “How about Padilla’s Mexican Kitchen, they have a solid five star review?”
“Sounds great.”
Chapter 44
Dust Storm
Layla flew down US 84 traveling east to Texas. “The food was delicious but I’m getting a little sick the closer we get to Texas,” she laughed.
“Yes, I know what you mean. When we come out of stealth just leave us as a Mustang. I want to be seen,” Denise said.
Denizen.
Myla.
Earlier. We need to change course due to a rather large dust storm in Texas.
Dust storm?
Yes. Going back to Texas Denizen. Going to Brownsville Texas.
Yes Myla. I am going to try and find out where exactly. Your friends are in the air between here and Brownsville trying to monitor all air traffic.
Arriving from south.
From the south, okay Myla.
Thank you Denizen.
Stay strong Myla.
Denise turned off the music and switched to the AM-Radio trying to tune in any reports about a dust storm.
“Myla said they had to change course to avoid a large dust storm over Texas. We might run into it.”
“Never been in a dust storm,” Layla said.
“Have a feeling they are going to be pretty common down here, especially with this horrible drought and heat they are having.”
“I’ll take the lushness of Little Egypt anytime.”
“Me too.”
Just over the border between New Mexico and Texas they ran into the dust storm. At first it was not much worse than a bizarre fog, but that changed.
“Going to take her out of stealth and slow down,” Layla said. “It looks pretty thick up ahead.”
“Make it so,” Denise giggled.
They were just southeast of Anton Texas when the blur of a vehicle traveling in the left lane got clearer the closer they got to it. “Is it black?” Denise asked.
“Hard to tell in this dust fog. It’s like driving through some bizarre blizzard.”
“Well, they’re not in a hurry. Get alongside them nice and slow.”
“Don’t startle them, got it. I don’t suppose Myla happened to transmit the make or plate number did she?”
“She may not even be aware of such things.”
The dust got thicker the further they drove. The few vehicles they saw on the road were either stopped and pulled over on the shoulder with flashers on, or they were driving slower than they were.
Layla pulled alongside the vehicle. “It’s impossible to tell who is inside with all this dust and their darkened windows,” Layla said.
Roll down your window. We are beautiful and we need help. Denise thought.
“If they roll that window down tell them their right rear tire is going flat,” Denise said.
The window seal opened then closed.
“Maybe your thoughts are not getting through the dust,” Layla giggled.
“I hope I didn’t lose that for being able to see the future,” Denise cringed. “Honk at them.”
Layla laid on the horn and motioned for them to lower the window. It remained up and the vehicle sped up only to slow down again because the visibility was close to zero.
“If they didn’t know this car most anyone would check to see what was wrong. How fast can you go in this mess?”
“Why?”
“I’d like to get far enough in front of them to shift into stealth. If they see us take off ahead of rather than behind them, and don’t see us anywhere, they might believe we just took off and are long gone.”
“I’ll lose them.”
Layla sped up and continued until she was sure they were far enough ahead of the SUV that they could not be seen.
“Switch us, it seems to be clearing up ahead,” Denise said.
Layla set the vehicle to stealth and pulled over on the shoulder. The black Ford SUV came cruising by, still taking its time in the clearing haze.
“It could be dangerous following him in stealth in this stuff,” Layla said.
“Silver Beetle and two giddy female college students?” Denise asked.
“Haa. Perfect.”
Layla switched the Mustang back to a Silver VW Beetle and they each activated their medallions to change their appearance.
The SUV was now driving in the right lane. “Is that smoke coming out of his window?” Denise asked.
Layla rolled down her window far enough to catch a whiff of cigarette smoke. “Yep. They have the window open.”
“Quick, pass them nice and slowly before they close it.”
“Quick and nice and slowly?” Layla laughed.
“Perfect. Give the appearance we are just two girls having a ball on the road when we pass.”
“Well, we are aren’t we?”
“Ha.”
The haze from the dust had cleared considerably, as if they had crossed some imaginary line where the storm ended.
“I may be wrong but I think that is sunshine,” Layla said as the Mustang Beetle passed the SUV. Denise was laughing and smacking her legs gently when they drove past. She looked up to see the face of Terry staring back with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.
Denise laughed at him and Layla as she drove past the SUV and got in front of it. Eventually they slowed down enough to where he swung around and passed them.
“Great. Now let’s see where Terry leads us.”
“You got it. That’s a sexy body you’re wearing there,” Layla said.
“You don’t look so bad yourself toots,” Denise laughed.
The Mustang Silver Beetle continued to follow the SUV, eventually passing a sign that read Lubbock – 12 miles.
Chapter 45
Lubbock
A single level white house in a secluded area just northeast of Canyon Lake #6 on 19th Street is where Terry stopped with the SUV, gassing up before he did.
“Motorcycles. Bikers again,” Layla said.
“Do you get the impression these are NOT the brightest bulbs in the box?” Denise said.
Layla grimaced with anger. “You want to go in there and just beat it out of all of them?”
“Yes, yes I really do, but what would prevent those who flew away from disappearing? No, as painful as it may be, we have to follow these assholes.”
“How can we be sure they won’t do with Myla what they plan on doing with her before we even get there?”
“I’m acting quickly on a dream. I’ve seen Terry with Myla and the Asians.”
“Well they’re not waiting around.”
Three bikers accompanied Terry out of the house and into the SUV. One of the others got behind the wheel and Terry hopped in the shotgun seat.
“How are you holding up? Want me to drive for a while?”
“I think I’d like that,” Layla said, reaching in back for a bottle of water.
“Let’s wait until they start down the road and
switch.”
“Okay. You pick the outside model today.”
Denise got in the driver’s seat, and switched the outer appearance of the Mustang to a Toyota Prius in Silver.
“How green,” Layla giggled.
“Always.”
“We have a LONG drive ahead of us honey, 666 miles to be exact per Google Maps,” Layla said.
“Why do you think they have these biker boneheads driving all the way down to Brownsville in this SUV anyway?” Denise asked.
“In case the deal falls through. Either that or they plan on not honoring the deal, and plan on leaving with Myla and a whole lot of cash.”
“Leaving with her or worse.”
“All the possibilities are pretty fucked up.”
“Yes they are.”
Hours later the SUV stopped at a Sonic in Eden Texas.
“Perfect choice,” Layla said. She pulled the Mustang up to a stall on the other side of the restaurant where they could still see the SUV.
“I’ve never eaten at a Sonic,” Denise said.
“They are edible, especially when you are on the road and desperate,” Layla laughed.
Denise ordered two Sonic cheeseburgers, two medium fries, two large onion rings and two large chocolate shakes.
“I gotta go peepee,” Layla said.
“I’ll wait for the food and go when you get back.”
Layla returned and Denise went to use the bathroom. She walked back to the car passing one of the bikers who was on his way towards the bathrooms. He did not even give her a second look. Damn he’s a big mother. She thought.
The bigger they are the harder they fall, Layla said.
They were back on the road again in short order. Denise changed the Mustang to a Pontiac Grand Am in white.
“Up for a little adventure Supergirl?” Denise asked.
“It’s been a long boring drive so far.”
“Open the iPad browser to the bookmark tsp.”
Layla opened it to see a site of Texas State Trooper cars and troopers. “Oh you are bold.”
“The car will be easy. Let’s try the uniforms with the baseball caps.”
Layla went first and was a slender male in a trooper outfit. “How do I look?” she asked.
“Good. Just don’t talk. We have to have them modify voice on these. My turn.” Denise said, changing herself into a heavier female trooper with dark brown hair. “Ok you do the car, wait until we are out of sight when they go around the next turn.”
Layla turned the Mustang into a black and white Texas State Trooper car. “How we going to get the lights to flash?”
“Try holding the button again and making them flash.”
That worked. Denise came speeding up behind the SUV and pulled it over on the small narrow shoulder of US-83. She and Layla both opened their doors and stepped out of the vehicle. “We look official,” Denise said.
“Yes, we do.”
Denise walked up to the SUV. “Somebody is in a big hurry tonight,” she said. “Can I see your drivers license and registration please?” She looked inside the car to see Terry going through the glove compartment for the registration. He pulled out a plastic packet and handed it to her. She could not help but notice that the two bikers in back kept looking down, not wanting to look her in the face. “Randy Clements. Did you know your drivers license expires in two days?” she asked.
“Thank you for reminding me m’am, I mean officer.”
She almost laughed in his face. “Where are you boys heading, and which one of you is Samuel Phillips?”
“He is the owner of this vehicle and our boss. We are picking him up in Brownsville,” Terry said.
“Boss? What does he do?”
“Imports and exports.”
“That might explain you meeting him in Brownsville.”
“It’s a very busy port. Lots of his business is conducted through there.”
“Randy, and this goes for the rest of you as well. I’m going to let you off with a warning this time, but if I catch you speeding in my neck of the woods again, I will issue you a citation.”
“That’s mighty nice of you officer,” Randy said.
Denise handed the packet back to Terry and the license back to Randy. “What’s the best pizza they have in Brownsville?” she asked.
That would be Gatti’s Pizza in the mall round back from where we’re going,” Randy said.
“Where exactly is that?”
“The Resaca de la Palma complex right behind the mall. Nice place,” Randy said.
Terry cleared his throat and Randy realized he was offering up too much information.
“Drive Safely.”
Denise walked back to the car. “Can you hop in right quick and turn off those flashing lights?”
“Shore can Officer Pretty,” Layla laughed.
They watched the SUV pull away and continue down the highway. As soon as they were back in the car, a real Texas State Trooper car came down the Highway in their direction. “Just drive honey,” Layla said.
Denise steered the Mustang Trooper car off the shoulder and accelerated down the highway. The real State Trooper car slowed to a near stop, pulled over on the shoulder and turned its flashing lights on. “Let’s see what this baby can do,” Denise said. “Can you stealth us?”
“Affirmative.”
Denise gunned it to find them coming up on the SUV rapidly. She flew past them and continued down the highway until they were at least a mile ahead where she slowed and pulled over on the shoulder. The SUV came driving past first. “Keeping the speed limit like good boys,” she laughed. The State Trooper came flying by next, passing the SUV that was still following the Rules of the Road.
“Can we change now?” Layla smiled.
Denise changed back to herself and Layla followed.
“Pick a car, any car,” Denise said.
“You deserve a nice ride after all of that officer. She turned the appearance of the Mustang into a red Corvette.
“Oh baby. Do you just love me for my car?” Denise giggled.
“I think I’ll start looking for a place to stay in Brownsville,” Layla laughed.
“Yes.”
Chapter 46
Brownsville
Terry and company led Denise and Layla to a white house off Coffee Port Road. Denise was convinced this was not the house Myla was being kept at, since it was in the middle of a grassy field, with the nearest neighbor a double trailer, which, by the way, had four motorcycles, parked outside of it. Myla had shown Denise a brief view from her window. She was definitely not on the ground level and the view showed water that reminded her of Lincoln Park Lagoon in Chicago, with an open grassy field of empty lots across from her. She had also told her that a further meeting was delayed until arrival by boat.
“Arrival by boat?” Denise said, as they pulled out of the Motel 6 parking lot after checking in to a third floor room.
“Can’t let them sail with her,” Layla said, as she steered to a pickup point on Torres Boulevard.
Docking was becoming routine for Layla. She boarded the waiting shuttle piloted by Mari. Before the trip upstairs, Mari was directed to the house Terry and the boys were staying at. She hovered the shuttle a few hundred feet over the house and marked it, the SUV and two other cars parked outside of it with tracking signatures.
“Do that place next door too,” Denise said.
“Yes, and do the bikes parked outside too,” Layla giggled.
Mari marked them as well. “Nola has informed me that pizza is on the menu. Shall we?”
“Make it so,” Denise giggled.
The shuttle shot straight up, their view the shimmering vastness of space in what seemed like an instant.
No sooner did they get to the Tyrine did Myla start sending images of those watching her. The same woman from Gallup, two men Denise had never seen before, all looking very friendly, smiling. Their smiles disturbed Denise more than a kick. They are going to arrive too late to leave
port. They will receive a strong advisory to ride the storm out in port. If they leave too late they run the risk of losing their vessel.
Myla. I am receiving you. Every message helps.
More Denizen. I wanted them to be gone before the storm hits. If they are damaged it alters their plans and ours. Why ours, if we are paid she is their problem. Perhaps.
Denise and Layla were led to Nola’s quarters to dine and plan. “You’re getting really good at these pizzas,” Denise said.
“Thank you. I will pass the compliment on to Kinsa,” Nola said. “Your alternative to the suits, they are functioning well?”
“Yes they are, an amazing convenience and most useful, but it’s funny you should ask about them because we were wondering if they could be programmed to alter our voices,” Denise said.
“Yes, make us sound like a male or little children,” Layla said.
“If you leave them with me I will see what we can come up with. I believe it is possible.”
After eating, they moved to an area of Nola’s quarters set up for lounging. They sat on a comfortable couch watching the Earth that filled the large window in the hull.
“She is being treated well. Eating. Getting stronger,” Denise said.
“This is good news.”
“They are speaking about a storm, and possible delays because of it.”
“I believe this is what they speak of,” Nola said, activating a screen on another wall. She pointed to an approaching storm in the Atlantic. “It will hit land within thirty miles of Brownsville.”
“Do you have any personal message you’d like to give to Myla?” Denise asked.
“Yes. Tell her Mele. Jumus nao grecia.”
Myla.
Myla.
Denizen.
I have a message for you from Nola.
I am being allowed to bathe.
Oh yes.
Ahhhhh.
Nola says Mele. Jumus nao grecia.
Tell her Asneg laukad grit. Nalecia yran kainojamas.
I will. Enjoy your bath.
“She is bathing. I am sorry I disturbed her,” Denise said. “I gave her your message.”
“Bathing for us is an act of deep relaxation and meditation Denise, and personal gratification, although under the circumstances she may not choose the latter.”
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