“Any word from Al?”

Dana shook her head with her eyes still shut.

“She’s probably stuck in that traffic jam, that’s over her office’s way right?”

“Yeh” Dana mumbled in reply not really thinking

The remainder of the drive was done in silence and when they arrived at Dana’s, Shane helped Dana into the house and into bed.

“I’ll just hang here for a while till Al gets back; give me a shout if you need anything, ok?”

Dana nodded and smiled at Shane before closing her eyes and allowing her body to rest as the medicine that had been pumped through her veins all afternoon set about its work.

Shane went and tried to phone Alice and when it went straight to voice box she phoned her office.

“LA Magazine, Cindy speaking how can I help you?”

“Hi can I speak to Alice Piezecki please, it’s a friend.”

“I’m sorry Ms Piezecki left the building some time ago, have you tried her cell?”

“Yes it’s off; do you know what time she left?”

“I’ll check, one moment…..14.37 almost two hours ago now. I do know she was heading to a hospital appointment with her girlfriend perhaps that is why her cell is off.” 

Shane thanked Cindy for her help and hung up.

“Where are you Al?” Shane said to the empty room

14.36

“Hey Cindy that’s me finished and I am outta here. Clock me out please.”

“Alice you do know you are the only one that still uses the old system?”

“I know but I like the whole clocking in and out thing. Makes me feel like I’m free.”

Cindy laughed.

“Anyway I gotta rush, Dana’s at the hospital and I need to pick her up soon.”

“Ok well that’s you officially clocked out.”

“Great thanks, have a good holiday if I’m not back in again soon.”

“Thanks, hope La Cienga’s quiet for you.”

“So do I, bye”

And with that Alice left her place of work and headed to her car. Fifeteen minutes later she was heading along La Cienga making good time, the lights were green at the intersection as the light blue Mini made its way towards the medical centre. The next thing Alice saw was a flash of silver in front of her, she swerved to avoid hitting it head on before becoming aware of a large vehicle to her right.

Shane flicked on the TV

“Traffic lights fail at an LA intersection. 8 vehicles have been involved in a serious collision on La Cinega this afternoon. There have been two reported fatalities and ten others are said to be in a serious condition, two of them are reported to be critical. Let’s go live to LA and join our reporter on the scene…”

“Fuck”

Shane stopped listening; she went numb as her brain registered the images she was seeing. The pictures from the helicopter showed the remains of the vehicles involved from the crash. They were not clearly defineable apart from a Wallmart truck and the remains of one light blue Mini.