Page 47 of Busted String

“No, we’re fine,” Jace replied, glancing at Mark, who gave a quick nod of agreement.

“Alright, step out of the vehicle and walk a straight line for me,” the officer instructed.

Jace’s legs felt like jelly, but he managed to step out and walk down the line, focusing on keeping his steps steady. He could feel the officer’s eyes on him, scrutinizing every move. Somehow, he managed to pass the test.

The officer handed him a ticket, his expression not softening one bit. “You were clocked at eighty miles in a sixty-mile zone. Pay attention,” he snapped, the reprimand stinging.

Jace’s mouth went dry, fear gnawing at him. He took the ticket, feeling the weight of his actions.

As the officer turned to leave, he paused, looking back at Jace. “You’re from the band Sacred Fire, aren’t you?”

Jace nodded, uncertain where this was going.

“Great band,” the officer said, a hint of a smile breaking through. “But drive better.”

The comment left Jace feeling both relieved and chastised. Once the officer left, Jace took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. The reality of the situation hit him hard—they had been incredibly lucky.

Jace assessed the damage. The van was scratched up, and the engine was smoking. It would need to be towed. The driver of the other car was also unharmed, just a bit frustrated. After exchanging information, Jace realized the van would have to go to the garage.

Jace pulled out his phone and called Nico. “Hey, Nico. We’ve been in an accident, but everyone’s okay. The van’s a bit banged up, and it’s being towed to a garage.”

Nico’s voice was tense, but relieved. “Thank God you’re both okay. Do you need help to get back?”

“No, it’s alright,” Jace replied. “We’ll take an Uber back to the hotel. We’ll see you soon.”

After arranging for an Uber, they rode back to the hotel in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. When they arrived, Nico and Sammie were waiting in the lobby, worry etched on their faces.

Sammie immediately moved to help Mark with his suitcase. “Glad you guys are safe.”

Jace nodded, feeling the weight of the day’s events settling over him. “Yeah, it was a close call. Let’s just get upstairs and try to relax.”

The way Nico looked at him had him worried. He and Mark had had three drinks. Before they left the pub, he’d brushed his teeth in the men’s room and stuck two mints in his mouth to ward off the smell of alcohol. He should have paid more attention to the speed limit instead of daydreaming. He’d broken the rule of not driving after consuming alcohol. That was Nico’s rule for anyone who used his van.

They all headed up to Nico and Jace’s room, the atmosphere heavy but filled with a sense of relief that things hadn’t been worse. As they settled in, Jace knew they still had a lot to discuss and resolve, but for now, he could breathe a little easier with Mark back.

“What do you guys need?” Nico asked.

“Need a strong drink,” Mark said.

“Coke, please.”

Once everyone was situated, Nico started his questions. “Can you explain how the accident happened?”

“I drove too fast, and I couldn’t stop when this guy came out of nowhere and hit the van. It caused the engine to smoke. So, it had to be towed to the nearest garage for repair.”

“When you say too fast, how fast were you driving?” Nico asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Where were you two coming from?” Nico asked.

“We went out to lunch,” Mark said.

“Where?”

“Murphy’s Pub,” Jace admitted.

Nico nodded then turned to Mark and hugged him. “I’m glad you’re back. We couldn’t make it without you.”

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