16
Mammoth Lakes, California
STEFAN WHIPPED ONTO the Interstate 5 Highway heading north out of Los Angeles. He glanced over at Penelope, who sat huddled in the passenger seat, her head still pressed into her hands.
“I have a place five hours from here,” Stefan said. “It’s quiet and secluded, and I promise the paparazzi can’t find you there.”
Still clutching her face, Penelope only whimpered.
“Shall I take that as a yes?” Stefan rubbed her arm.
She nodded.
Stefan threaded the SUV through heavy traffic with an expert eye. He’d made a snap decision, but he knew a person could hold up only so long under intense pressure. Even some of his buddies, highly trained Navy SEALs, had reached eventual breaking points. As soon as he saw the warning signs, he’d learned to diffuse the situation.
