THE GUARDIANS OF HIGHWAY SEVEN
Chapter I: The Silver Blanket in the Dark
The rain over Highway 7 fell with unrelenting violence, transforming the pitch-black asphalt into a treacherous, reflective ribbon through the mountain pass. The wind whipped through the pines, driving freezing spray across the empty shoulder.
A silver SUV slowed briefly near the guardrail, its rear door unlatched, and a woman’s venomous voice snarled from the window:
"Get out! Stay here until you learn some respect!"
The door slammed shut, tires spun on the slick road, and the red taillights vanished into the downpour.