CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN – STUCK IN THE DESERT

"No, no, no," he muttered, guiding the failing car to the side of the dusty road. With a final wheeze, the engine died. Marco slammed his hand against the steering wheel. "Dammit! Of all the times..." Jasmine peered out at the vast expanse of desert surrounding them. "What now?" Marco tried the ignition a few times, but the engine remained silent. He sighed heavily. "We're going to have to walk. There's a small town about 15 miles east of here. If we start now, we might make it by nightfall." Jasmine's eyes widened. "Walk? In this heat?" "We don't have much choice," Marco said grimly. "Let's gather what supplies we can from the car." They collected water bottles, a first aid kit, and a few protein bars. Marco also grabbed a small handgun from the glove compartment, tucking it into his waistband. As they set out under the scorching sun, Jasmine couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu. Once again, she was on the run, her life in danger. Hours passed as they trudged through the