Cover photo compliments of www.freedigitalphotos.com
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
We, here at Concerning Life Publishing, hope you enjoy this short story.
Author Dennis Snyder, has just released the first book in the Lake Haven Murder series, Personal Vengeance. You can find more information on Dennis Snyder's books at www.concerninglife.org
Road Rage vs. Forgiveness
“Look at this guy coming up on my tail. Flashing his lights, beeping his horn. Like I have some place to go to get out of his way. Can't he see the semi that I'm passing? He'll just have to wait until I get passed it and can move over safely.” Billy said to Michele.
Billy Mitchel a slightly graying man in his early 60's and his beautiful wife Michele were nine hours into the 17 hour trip to Delaware. Michele's mother, Phyllis, had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was going to begin treatment in the next few days.
“Why don't you tap on the brakes and make him back off. I hate it when people get so close they can see what radio station we are tuned too.”
“Naw, he's probably mad enough now. No need to upset him more. He'll most likely flip me a hand gesture when he passes me as it is. Look, there it is his finger right where I thought it would be.”
As Michele leaned forward, to get a look at the young man driving too fast for his own good, he made a sharp swerve back into the right lane clipping the left front fender of their Mercury Marquis. Billy hit the brakes at the same moment the semi hit the right rear bumper sending the car into a tail spin. The screams were deafening as they careened out of control off the shoulder and down the steep Pennsylvania mountainside.
“Billy, are you alright? I think my leg is broken and it is pinned under the dashboard” Slowly Michele's eyes adjusted to the dark and she could make out Billy's still silhouette slumped over the steering wheel. “Billy, Billy, please don't die.” Said Michele as she lost consciousness.
* * * * *
“Well, hello there, Mrs Mitchel. It's good to see you finally waking up. You've been out of it for most of the night.” said nurse Hathaway.
“Where am I and what happened? Where's my husband?”
“Don't try to sit up just yet. You were in a very serious car accident. You broke your right leg, cracked a few ribs and have some cuts and bruises. But you'll be alright. Mr. Mitchel is down the hall in intensive care. You'll be able to see him in a little bit.”
“I remember now. Some guy was mad at us and swerved into our car. What happened to him? Is he okay?”
“I don't know those details but the police have been waiting to ask you some questions about the accident. Maybe they can fill you in. I'll send them in, if you're up to it?”
“Yes.” nodded Michele. “But I really want to see my husband.”
“In due time Mrs. Mitchel” said Nurse Hathaway as she left the room. “Detectives, you can go in now. She's awake.”
“Hello Mrs Mitchel, I'm Detective Nash and this is Detective Ward. We're investigating the hit and run you were involved in.” Jim Nash appeared to be the typical police detective, rumpled suit and all. Short, stocky, with a full head of unruly, coal black hair carrying a pad and pencil ready to take notes. Sally Ward, a tall redhead with a shapely body reminiscent of a cheerleader, was anything but a typical detective. These two were a mismatched pair if there ever was one.
“We were able to get a pretty good description of the hit and run car from the semi driver that you had just passed. Can you tell us anything about what happened?” asked the buxom redhead.
“It's still a little foggy but I'll try. We were attempting to pass the semi when this young guy came out of nowhere tailgating us and flashing his lights. My husband pulled over sooner than he should have and as the car sped past us the guy intentionally swerved into us. All I remember after that is waking up here. How's my husband?”
“How'd you know it was a young guy driving the car that hit you? Did you see him?” Asked Detective Nash.
“Yes, when he was next to us, he flipped Billy off, I leaned forward to look at him. He was in his early thirties, but that is all I can tell you about him. Other than he was angry.”
Detective Ward leaned close as she asked, “Did your husband do anything else that might have set this guy off?”
“Are you blaming my husband for this?” Michele said indignantly.
“No, not at all, just trying to get a full picture.” said the Detective. “You try to get some rest, Mrs Mitchel. You'll want to be strong when you see your husband.”
As the detective were leaving, Nash commented, “Oh by the way, that semi driver called 911 and probably saved your husband's life with his quick action. He worked for Schneider Trucking if you ever want to get a hold of him.”