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Colt switched the TV on and found the live news broadcast almost immediately.

Hector stood. “What the hell is this...?”

Freak weather moving south of Sescoria, it said. Reports of deadly, ground-level thunderstorms. And of a flying man. And of numerous casualties.

‘It’s them,’ said Garovel. ‘No doubt.’

‘Are they already making their move?’ said Bohwanox. ‘Your friend said we had two weeks.’

“Gina?” said Hector. “What do you know about this?”

<“Nothing. Sorry. If they planned this attack, then they did it somewhere I couldn’t overhear them.”>

He watched the helicopter footage. A giant trail of fog followed the highway, cutting through suburban towns south of Sescoria. He could see overturned vehicles on the side of the road, even lodged into the sides of buildings. The reporters were warning people in the vicinity to remain in their homes.

“That’s not very far from here,” said Hector.

‘You still need rest,’ said Garovel.

“Garovel, we both know I’m going. Let’s not waste time arguing.” He looked at Colt. “Let me borrow your car.”

‘You don’t even know how to drive,’ said Garovel.

“I’ll figure it out.”

Colt stood as well. “I’ll drive you.”

“Are you kidding? The kids--”

“We’ll keep our distance,” he said, gathering them in his arms. “But if it comes down to it, I will abandon you. Understood?”

“Of course.”

They left.

-+-+-+-+-

The small town traffic made the highway easier to navigate until he felt the truck start to slow. There was plenty of gas. His foot was all the way down. It wasn’t a problem with the vehicle. Karkash had finally gotten within range again. Soon, the truck was barely even moving forward, tires smoking against the pavement.

Then the flash of lightning came. Stoker was only partway out the door before the electricity ignited the gas tank, and the truck exploded. He went flying in one direction; his legs went in another.