A car passed going in the opposite direction with its high beams on. Lauren closed her uncovered eye in agonizing pain as a dreadful headache began pounding in her ears. She leaned her head against the window and concentrated on the hum of the tires on the road, her hands folded in her lap and relaxed.

When they reached the outskirts of Saddle Creek, Chase slowed and turned left into a motel parking lot. He parked and turned off the ignition.

"We're going to stay here ...