A powerful gust blew as the gray clouds hovered above the jagged peaks. On Sunset Trail Route 6 in Stoneway, a black SUV thundered. Hovering above the road, eagles soared and black seagulls perched on the sagging wires overseeing the road.
Vickie was in the front passenger seat with a smile that lit up her face. Towering steeple churches, faded Victorian homes with white picket fences and century-old shops slid past her window.

Ahead, on the winding isolated coastal highway of New Inverness, Jack steered the wheel through rolling hills, dramatic sea cliffs and the rush of seething waves clashing against the boulders on the shore. Sea kayakers paddled along the intimidating granite drop.

The charcoal heights turned darker and grew steeper as the vehicle climbed up through the unbroken forest. The SUV’s roar overrode the silence as they distanced from civilization. Then, a silhouette loomed beside the lonely lifeless oak tree and tall rustling reeds. A cluster of crows seated on the dangling branches and let out a guttural croak altogether. Vickie’s spine tingled as she gazed at the dark shape’s blurry facial features. Jack’s eyes widened in the mirror and he slammed on the brakes. The tires screeched to a halt facing the silhouette standing beside the dead wood.