Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 874

The bus swayed and rattled its way along several winding mountain roads before finally arriving in the township. As they stepped off, the three of them let out a collective sigh of relief, not daring to relive the nightmare of the past hour.

“Are we here?” Mamie asked, taking a long gulp from a bottle of soda, finally feeling strong enough to speak.

Roseanne shook her head. “This is just the township. Carlson’s family lives in a village, so we still have a ways to go.”

“So, we have to take another bus?!” Mamie’s face filled with horror.

Scales shook his head. “There are no buses to the villages.” Before Mamie could even feel relieved, he added, “We’ll have to take a three-wheeler.”

Ten minutes later, Mamie was being bounced around so hard she felt like she was flying out of her seat. As the vehicle took a sharp turn, her body slammed against the side, only to be thrown back the other way. “...This is what you call a little bumpy?!”

Scales, looking pale, gripped the handrail tightly. “I checked the map. It’s not that far. Just hang in there a little longer.” He hadn’t realized the terrain would be this steep, or that the road would be a primitive dirt path instead of paved.

“What’s wrong with you? You look terrible. Are you okay?” Mamie asked, noticing his sickly complexion.

Scales waved a hand, forcing two words through his clenched jaw. “I’m fine.”

Roseanne frowned. “Are you getting carsick?”

As if on cue, Scales stuck his head out the window and retched loudly.

Roseanne and Mamie exchanged a look.

After he was finished, Scales wiped his mouth and took a deep breath before pulling his head back in. “I’m really fine!” he insisted.

They didn’t look convinced.

Mamie rummaged through her bag and pulled out a dried plum, handing it to him. “This is sour. It should help.”

The driver, a man in his fifties with sun-darkened skin and a bright, toothy smile, was quite talkative. “You kids are from out of town, aren’t ya? Didn’t anyone tell you? The road to Low Creek Village is terrible, especially after it rains. All mud and slush. If you hadn’t run into me today, no one else would’ve dared to drive you this way. I was heading this way anyway, so I figured I’d give you a lift. If this were a special trip, it’d be a different price.”

Roseanne’s interest was piqued. “Oh, you’re on your way home? Do you live in Low Creek Village?”

“Sure do. I’m just heading home, making a little gas money off you guys.”

“Can I ask you something? Do you know a family named Smith in your village?”

“Smith? There are a few Smith families. Which one are you looking for?”

“I’m not sure which one exactly,” Roseanne admitted. “All I know is that their son is a top student at Kingswell University…”

“Oh! You mean Mr. Smith’s family! You’re here to see them?” The driver paused. “...That can’t be right. The Smiths never have visitors. They keep to themselves. I don’t think a stranger has set foot on their property in years. Are you sure you’re looking for them?”