Chapter 242

After nightfall, Clark returned to the hotel. It was late, and Judy had already fallen asleep. A gust of cool air slipped under the blanket and Judy jolted awake. Before she could turn around, he wrapped his arms around her. The faint scent of his citrus shampoo mixed with the smell of tobacco from him. When he made no further movements, Judy gradually relaxed. Clark had actually been awake the whole time. He could feel how stiff she was in his arms. After some time, he finally closed his eyes when he heard her soft breathing. The night was deep and the city was in the midst of the transition from fall to winter. A car raced along the streets of Lake City. Just as it was about to reach a traffic light intersection, a truck suddenly emerged from its right. The car driver slammed on the brakes, and the screeching sound of tires skidding pierced the air. With a loud bang, the car crashed into the bottom of the truck. … When Clark woke up the next day, the bed was already empty.