CHAPTER NINETY SEVEN – MAGIC TRICKS

Jasmine shook her head at her sister-in-law's instantly folksy demeanor, but couldn't help smiling too. Leaving the city had definitely brought out Claire's performative side when interacting with these delightfully odd countryside characters. With surprising sprightliness for their weary appearances, Larry and Linda hustled over and climbed into the backseat of the little sports car. "Well now, ain't this a sweetly modern jalopy!" Larry remarked as he settled in, running a gnarled hand admiringly along the sleek interior trim. "Ain't never rode in nothing this fancy before." "Where're you ladies takin' such a nice car way out here on these lonesome byways?" Linda asked, her voice sounding slightly nasal, like she had a cold. "We're just out exploring, seeing where the road takes us," Jasmine answered, glancing in the rearview. "No real plan or destination." "Well that's the finest way to do it!" Larry cried with a wheezy chuckle. "Ain't nothin' beats the open road an' a half-cock