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Odd Interlude 2 Dean Koontz 41120K 2023-09-01

"Who?"

"My wife Cancer Ithe truck of a childless er

As we arrive at the driver’s door, I remind him that he said he had a family

"My mom and dad live with me, and my sister Berniece, she never married, and my nephew Tio You shoot me, I’m their sole support, it would be awful, please don’t do that to the the truck of a childless ho’s devoted to his aging parents, supports a spinster sister, and takes in orphans

Standing at the open door, I inquire: "You have insurance?"

"A good life policy Now I see it’s not big enough"

"Iis covered"

"You an owner-operator?"

"Used to be Now I’m a company driver for the benefits"

"That makes me feel better, sir Unless they’ll fire you"

"They won’t Coht back, life coood employer"

"They’re nice folks"

"You been hijacked before, sir?"

"This is my first--and I hope last"

"I hope it’s my last, too"

A cluster of cars and trucks races by on the coast highway at the top of the slope, and their slipstrea the tall pale-gold grass to flail like the hair of wildly dancing women No vehicle appears at the top of the exit ramp

"Hijackers co alone sort of disarize for the deception, sir Noalk north a coupledown any traffic, then I’ll kill you and them"