I was on the hunt once again. I looked to the left and the right: the snow-covered road was empty for miles in either direction. I was between towns, hoping to find someone passing this way who was willing to stop and pick me up. Several cars drove by, but I could see children in the back of one, and a man in the passenger seat of the second. More than one would make this unnecessarily complicated.
I saw a small white sedan coming down the road. He was driving quickly through the night, despite the snow. The road was flat and straight. My keen eyes spotted a man in the driver's seat when he was still half a mile away. The other seats were empty. Perfect. I stepped out from behind my car, waving my arms to try to get the man's attention.
He saw me and slowed the car by the side of the road. He rolled down the window.
"Hey lady, need some help?" he asked.
I did my best to look pitiful, projecting fear in my big brown eyes. I was wearing only a small coat against the cold, so I gave a calculated shiver. "My car broke down a few hours ago. Can you give me a ride into town? I just need to find a hotel for the night."
"I know a little about cars, you want me to take a look?"
Damn of course he would know about cars. I had to talk him out of that. "Thanks for the offer, but I'm pretty cold. I'd rather get a ride than get repairs," I replied.
"Well, I'm certainly willing to share my car. Pardon the mess ...." I saw him push some papers off of the passenger seat.
"Thanks man, you probably saved my life. I might have frozen out here." I gave him a grateful smile, showing white teeth.
He leaned over to unlock the passenger door. I got in and shut the door. I rubbed my arms trying to look like I was cold. There were several sheets of paper and a cardboard box on the ground by my feet.
"What's your name?" I asked him.
"I'm John. You?" he replied.
"Ana." I looked over at him again, "Where are you going tonight?"
"I'm going to visit my girlfriend for the weekend," he replied.
A girlfriend will make this more difficult,