Hitching a ride...

In comparison with the usual early morning activity in this part of the valley, it was turning out to be a rather interesting patrol. First the rider at dawn—it still made her tingle when she thought of those eyes looking back at her—and then, shortly after, a new diversion.

She'd been watching the slow progress of Mr. L.A. for almost an hour. It was a very long walk all the way to the Crossroads…and she felt rather sorry for him stranded down there on that lonely road with a useless cell phone. But there was nothing she could do for him. Her job was to watch—she couldn't interfere unless he was in danger, which was highly unlikely on this road, or unless he presented a threat. So far the most dangerous thing he'd done was to kick a few rocks down the road ahead of him…

Luckily for him, Cherry Wizzette turned off the main road and caught up with him in no time, and, it looked like Cherry was going to stop.