Mountains of Dawn

"It's keeping back," Judith said. "Not too close. Could be something else entirely."

With a rumble, the sky loosed its burden of water as the threatened storm arrived. Sheets of rain obscured their vision in spite of windshield wipers, falling as hard as if they had taken the car into the tunnel of a carwash. They slowed, driving at a speed to suit the weather.

"I got the local police station. They've sent a cruiser. In fact, I think I see it…"

A police cruiser passed them from the opposite direction, then turned and followed close behind. The strange brown car disappeared.

"We can relax," Judith said, consulting the local map. "It'll never catch up with us now."

Their escort left them at the border of the next town.

The swish of the windshield wipers sent a metronome beat through the car. Judith glanced out the rear window, but couldn't see much through the wash of rain.

The thunderstorm increased its fury at the entrance to Brian's house, sending sheets of wind-blown rain and streaks of lightning crashing to the ground. Mike stopped the car. Judith opened the door and walked to the doorway. From the control panel, Mike hastily locked all the car doors. Judith stood in the pelting rain, water dripping from her face, waiting.

"What's she doing? Why don't we use the garage?" Brian asked. "And why are the doors locked? I can't get out!"

"Precautions, sir," Mike replied. "Malcolm's orders."

"What are you talking about? What is Judith doing, standing out there in the rain like that?"

"Procedure, sir. If there's an ambush, the first person to be a target is the bodyguard," Mike said, watching Judith. "That's why she went out first. She's watching for anything unusual, any strange movements or sounds. When she gives the signal, I'll rush you into the house. If anything is wrong, I'll take off right away, keeping you out of harm's way."

"Unlock the door," Brian hissed. His voice wore anger and determination. "Immediately. That's an order."

Brian jumped from the car, grabbed Judith by the arm, and dragged her into the house. Mike followed.

"Look at you," he said. Water poured from Judith's hair and down her nose to pool in the hollow of her throat. Even her shoes squelched with each step she took. "What were you trying to do? Drown, or catch pneumonia?" Brian's voice shook with emotion.

"Neither," Judith said. Her eyes flashed and she pushed his hands away. "I was doing my job. I'm supposed to protect you, remember?"