7Solid GroundWe leave the mainland and cross bridge after bridge, which link for several miles across the Atlantic. At last, the island stretches before us like a rib bone, long and skinny. As we travel further north, hotels and strip malls give way to high-end condominium complexes, gift shops, and restaurants. Nearly all the parking lots are empty. Most of the businesses display signs relaying the same message: closed for the season. The Outer Banks is effectively hibernating for the winter months.
Jayce pulls over into a vacant lot in front of a closed gift shop.
“What are we doing?” I ask as I scan our surroundings, resenting the painful prick of alarm as it courses through exhausted, sore muscles.
“Reese will pick us up here.” Jayce gathers her things and tucks them into her bag.
