Snaggletooth sneered. "Awe, the little kid is frightened," he mimicked in a falsetto voice. His expression hardened. "Maybe he should have stayed at home and minded his own business."
"He doesn't know any better."
It was probably futile to appeal to their honor, but he was running out of ideas. He thought the mention of Jim Bob might make them back off, but instead it had backfired. He had only one edge, and that was his gun - and Mary Jo, of course. How long would it take her to find help? Would she use the cell phone in his car? Could she? Would she waste time stopping at her house to talk to her mother? He had to trust her. Billy Ray was depending on her. She would come through.
Mary Jo made it back to the trailer in less time than it took them to get to the ATVs. She didn't know if she could drive the car. It had been months since she had lessons. If it was a standard, she wouldn't know how to use it. She'd have to figure it out. Ma couldn't drive.
She arrived at the trailer gasping for air, but she didn't stop. She ran to the Car and opened the door, instantly relieved when she saw the shifter on the column. She could drive it. She slid in, shut the door and instantly opened it again. She needed the light to examine the dash. Where was the ignition switch? She located it on the steering column and shoved the key into it. It wouldn't go all the way in. She flipped the key over and tried again. Success! She shut the door and started the car. The lights came on automatically. She carefully put the car in reverse and prayed she didn't hit anything backing down the drive.
She went from one side of the drive to the other, but she finally got the car out on the road. She shifted to drive and started forward. She was tempted to drive as fast as she could, but she didn't want to run off the road. She paused only a second at their house. Mom would be worried, but she couldn't spare the time.
As she drove, she gained confidence and accelerated more. She might not find help until she got to Pelsor. She glanced down at the seat and saw the cell phone. It wouldn't do her any good yet and she wasn't sure how to use it.
She held her breath as she drove past the Hudson place. Hopefully no one was home to see her. They'd probably think it was Barrett - and wonder why he was out on the road at this hour of the night.