For as long as Boyd can remember, he's been pushing pins into a map. Carson City, Las Vegas, Albuquerque -- all places he wants to see, for a dozen different reasons that wouldn't mean a thing to anyone else. When he finally gets a chance to purchase the '70 Plymouth Duster of his dreams, at a price that even he can manage, Boyd jumps at the opportunity.<br><br>Oliver seems like just another kid with a broken dream when their paths cross in Vegas. Against Boyd's better judgment, he offers to let Oliver hitch along for the ride when Oliver confides the need to get out and get gone.<br><br>But isn’t long before Boyd realizes Oliver's reasons for running are more complicated -- and more dangerous -- than Oliver let on. Boyd doesn't like people who play hardball, and he definitely doesn't like people messing with a man who's managed to light a fuse that Boyd forgot he had.

Road Trip

“Besides,” Oliver continued, oblivious to Boyd’s struggle. “The view would be fantastic at this time of the day. I mean, just think about it, you’d be right in the middle of all that color.” His voice dropped an octave. He tilted his head. “Like you’re part of it or something. I bet it feels like you could reach up and touch heaven.”


“Seems kind of scary,” Boyd said. He tapped the dashboard to get Oliver to look and pointed at the skyline where three more balloons silhouetted against the brilliant sky. “I’m not sure I’d be interested in being that far off the ground. I kind of think I’d be air sick.”


Chapter 16