Getting Lost and Road Trips

“That is what the damn map said to do!” Joe complained.

“Obviously not,” Arthur replied, trying to suppress a grin. “We are in the middle of nowhere right now.”

“I can damn well see that,” Joe grumbled. “No need to point it out.”

Arthur turned and leaned back against the hood of the car. It was getting dark, and soon they wouldn’t be able to see the map anymore. An owl hooted off in the distance as Arthur scanned the trees. Critters scurried around in the underbrush.

Even out here, in the middle of nowhere, his Blade instincts were at work. Renee would probably beat them there. She was newly pregnant, and her mom had wanted to take her out for dinner to celebrate. Meeting her after was supposed to be faster than waiting for at their house.

This would be his last trip before he went back to the academy for Garrote training. It was fitting. Joe had gotten them lost on their first road trip together too. Joe shouldn’t be allowed to be in charge of the map, but he still wouldn't let Arthur find the route. 

“Ok,” Joe said. “I think I have it figured out now.”

“Let me see,” Arthur replied. Joe rolled his eyes as Arthur looked over the map, holding the corner down as the breeze brushed past. He followed the road Joe was pointing to and tipped his head to the side. “Where did you get this map?”

“It was in the glove box,” Joe said.

“Joe,” Arthur said slowly, his mouth twitching. “This is not a map of Monroe County. You’re looking at a map of Oakland County.”

“What?” Joe yelled, snatching the map from Arthur. “That can’t be right!”

After a few minutes Joe crumbled the map as he stomped over to the passenger door, grumbling under his breath. He threw the now ruined map into the backseat and yanked the glovebox open again.

They were definitely going to be late.