Route 666: The Dade Sisters Adventures, #1

By Loretta Johns and Sarah Johns

Route 66. Two sisters, one hell of a road trip.

 

It was supposed to be a reunion celebration, two Navy Brat sisters separated by the tragedy that led to them both becoming Gold Star widows at the same time now together again and having some well-deserved fun. Connie and Lexie's two daughters have graduated from high school, one now off to college, the other to the Air Force Academy. There was nothing to hold them back from making the most of their time.

 

Step one: Buying the right car for the trip. It had to be a classic, and wouldn't you know it? In the parking lot outside of the Wal-Mart they'd decided to meet up at, there it was. A faded beauty of a '66 T-bird convertible, it had a For Sale sign in the window with a price not to be ignored. One restoration later and their bags packed, they were ready to rock-n-roll their way down the historic Route.

 

Step two: Visiting both their father and brother and let them know about their trip. That meant a detour through the Southern states, but hey, it was a road trip! More adventure, right? Go see them, stop at some roadside attractions along the way, and then hit the closest end of the Route and get their party properly started. More road trip, more adventure!

Boy, was there ever, both off the route and on it!

 

Route 666 is the first instalment of the Dade Sisters Adventures as they reconnect on the road trip of a lifetime. It's an urban fantasy filled with love, laughter, and some out-of-this world goings on that neither could have imagined. Come join them for the ride, just don't mind the rat and the chihuahua sitting in the back! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pahoa Paradise
• Release date: Dec 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393625070

Book preview

1

Dead on North Davis

I ’m telling you, there is something wrong with this car. This isn’t just overheating. Lexie pursed her lips as the car came gliding to a stop on its own, barely making it onto the hard shoulder.

We had all the bits and bobs rebuilt. You think they sold us a dud part? Connie asked, chewing her lip as she looked across at her sister. This part of the North Davis Highway wasn’t very busy and it was getting late.

It’s a possibility. That transmission rebuild certainly was cheap. Look, I’ll call AAA and get us a tow. We’ll have the garage look at it and go from there.

Turner's gonna laugh his ass off at us. I can hear him now. ‘I told y'all you'd be better off buying one already restored and you should have had me or Daddy look at it first.’ I swear, he says it, I'm gonna knock his smarmy ass for six.

Lexie took her phone out and made the call while Connie got out to stretch her legs. Hanging up, Lexie also got out. Be about an hour, they reckon.

Great, just great.

At least Turner didn't know exactly when we were coming. We can get the car fixed and then call him to let him know we're in town. Connie nodded. It was a good plan. I hope there's a Waffle House close to the motel, Lexie continued. I don't know about you, but I'm starving.

Connie laughed. This might be Florida, but this part is pretty real-deal Southern. There'll be a Waffle House somewhere nearby. Trick will be to find the Waffle House first, then go to the nearest motel.

That's true. Just for the one night though, preferably. If we stay any longer than that, we should check out guest lodging on base.

That sounds good. Hey, if Turner acts like an ass, why don't we call and see about staying on Eglin? It's not far and I hear they have their beach, close to the lodgings. We can enjoy a mini-vacay before heading up to see Daddy before we go ahead and hit the road.

Well, after we get this seen to, the car should have a clean bill of health, so why not? Beach, then Daddy, then onto our road trip. Yeah, buddy! The Dade sisters are goin' cruisin' down Route 66!

I should download some Beach Boys onto my phone. We can listen via the Bluetooth speakers you put in while we're riding with the top down.

Good idea. A good bit of the way, I doubt we'll have any signal for streaming. Hey, look, I think our tow is here. Pretty damned short hour. Not that I'm complaining. Both women watched as a tow truck slowed and pulled in front of them.

You ladies call for a tow? a man wearing a ball cap called out through his rolled down window.

That'd be us, Lexie confirmed. The man hopped down out of his truck. The two women could see that his coveralls said his name was Shane.

Well, now. Right pretty car, here. What seems to be the trouble.

It was juddering then sort of just died. I managed to get it to coast onto the shoulder.

Alrighty. Pop the hood for me? Shane watched in amusement as Lexie moved to go to do as he asked. Connie fumed. It was rather obvious that Shane thought he'd have to tell Lexie how to release the latch. This was confirmed when a mild look of surprise crossed his features as Lexie did as he'd asked without any confusion. He quickly schooled his expression and then began poking around. Yep, he said at last. Gonna have to take it into the shop.

Lexie and Connie exchanged glances. Shane hadn't actually tried anything, nor had he asked them to try to start the car. Still, dusk was approaching. Lexie turned to Connie and whispered, We'll let him tow us, but check around to see if we can get a recommendation for a better mechanic. I think he's gonna jerk us around, maybe?

Uh huh, Connie agreed. Both women turned to Shane and gave them their sunniest smiles. Sounds good, Connie chirped. Can you drop us off at a Waffle House, too?

Naw, but I can get you a loaner car. It won't be as fancy as this, but it'll do ya until we get this here fixed.

Thank you so much, Lexie said, pouring on the sugar.

You ladies just go on and climb into my truck. Be careful of the step, mind.

The sisters rounded the tow truck and rolled their eyes at each other as they climbed in. Shane hooked their car up to the boom, then lifted it so that only the rear wheels of their T-bird rested on the ground. All righty, we're ready to go, he told the sisters. The two women looked out the window as they rode. It didn't take long for them to see that they had not been far from the outskirts of Pensacola.

Hey, Lexie said, nudging Connie. There's a Waffle House right there.

And there's a motel. That'll do, Connie agreed.

You ladies on vacation? Shane asked.

We're here to see our brother. Lexie's tone indicated that she wasn't interested in sharing any further personal information. Shane didn't take the hint.

And what does he do? Let me guess, y'all are from out of town, your car has Georgia plates, so I'm guessing he's Navy?

Something like that. Lexie refused to elaborate, preferring the man to think a badass military man would come after him if he bothered them. She knew if they admitted he worked as a retail manager, he'd automatically assume Turner was soft. He was far from it. He worked out regularly, keeping himself in tip top shape. If he didn't, he had no chance at passing a physical later for Homeland, once he completed his degree.

So, he like a Top Gun? Shane gave them a mocking smile.

No. Neither was Daddy, Connie replied. Daddy was a Seal. He's retired now.

And our husbands were Airborne.

They got out, huh? Can't say I blame them, this war has dragged on.

They were killed in action, Lexie said flatly. We never even got their bodies back.

Shane had the courtesy to blanch at that, realizing he'd put his foot in it. I'm real sorry to hear that. He kept his mouth shut for the remaining twenty minutes of the drive to the garage he operated. When they arrived and he took their insurance details and handed over the keys to a beat up looking Honda Civic, both women felt nothing but relief. They climbed into the car after he winched the T-bird down and allowed them to remove their belongings.

Motel first, then food, Lexie said, putting the keys into the Honda's ignition.

Fine with me, Connie said, buckling up. Drive on, MacDuff.

Chapter 2

Bang Bang

Lexie frowned as they drove to the motel they’d seen. "Do you hear that?’ she asked Connie.

Yeah, some kind of knocking noise? Reminds me of Granny’s old Chevy she had when we were little. Remember, Daddy used to tell her to stop using cheap gas? Said it was from water in the tank or something like that.

Lexie grunted. That was a heap of junk. Mind, she only ever bought crappy cars. Remember her last one? That Oldsmobile?

Ewww, yeah. The one that was all brown and yellow on the inside from old tobacco stains?

That’s the one, Lexie replied, hoping they wouldn’t have to take the loaner car back for being a lemon. She didn’t think Maynard’s Garage ‘N’ Tow had a second car and she preferred they not run up an expensive bill with a rental car agency. Damn it, she said as they pulled up to the motel as the No Vacancy sign came on.

Well, shit! Connie agreed. There’s bound to plenty of other motels close by, this is right off the highway and interstate and close to a major military base.

You’re right. Let’s go eat first, though. I don’t feel like waiting now.

Mmhmm. I’m ready for some coffee, too.

Oh my God, yes. Nectar of the gods. Lexie pulled out of the motel parking lot just as a young family walked out of the motel office with a set of keys and headed towards the stairs with their luggage. The Waffle House was only four blocks away so less than five minutes later, the two women found themselves sliding into a booth and grabbing a menu. Seconds later, a waitress was standing by their table.

What can I get you ladies? You ready to order now or would you like me to bring your drinks and come back?

We need just a minute, Lexie said, so if you’d just get us two coffees, we should be ready to order when you come back.

Two regular coffees?

Yes, please, Lexie told her.

Cream?

Yes, thank you. The waitress made a notation on her order pad and scurried off. Connie, you know what you want?

Yeah. I want a pecan waffle, two eggs, a side of bacon, toast, and bacon. Oh, and an order of grits.

Two eggs? You sure?

Connie sighed. All right, just one egg. Sunny side up. What are you having?

Steak and eggs with a side of cheese grits and hash browns.

Oh, add me some hash browns, too.

You’re going to have to walk that off later, you know.

I know. But all we had for lunch was a bag of chips and a soda from that gas station. I’m starving! The waitress returned with their coffee and Lexie gave their order. The waitress walked away to give their order to the cook. Umm, Lexie?

Yeah? Lexie turned her attention back to her sister. Connie was staring out the window intently at something.

Why is our car shaking?

What? Lexie looked out the window at their car. Connie was right. The Honda was shaking back and forth. When the lights came on and shone into the diner, it caught the attention of the other patrons. What in the ever-loving hell? Lexie shouted, dashing outside to get a closer look. Several of the male patrons followed her out. As soon as they were next to the car, the lights went out and the vibrations stopped.

Looks like you got a spook, one of the men joked.

It’s got something, Lexie agreed. It was making these knocking noises all the way here. Stupid loaner car. It’s going straight back in the morning.

I wouldn’t want to drive it. I’d have them come fetch it right now, another man said.

Yeah, that was weird. Something seriously wrong with that car. That weren’t natural, his friend agreed.

After looking inside and under the car thoroughly and finding no reason for what happened, Lexie was tempted to agree. By now, the waitress had brought their food to the table, so Lexie went back inside to eat.

What was wrong with it? Connie asked.

Dunno. Maybe the damned things haunted, Lexie answered.

Let’s call to find a motel with a room and make a reservation, then call a cab, Connie begged. We can have them come get the car and take it back in the morning.

We can’t do that. What if they have it towed to the impound or someone tries to steal it?

I guess. Connie looked unhappy. Lexie didn’t blame her. She still remembered Connie returning from a dependents’ cruise, or as they called them now, a Tiger cruise, when she was eleven. She’d made friends with a young sailor on the cruise, frequently running into him in the stairwells. That was all well and good, until her father asked her who she was talking to, four days into the trip. He couldn’t see or hear the young sailor at all, and he had been standing right next to Connie. It was then that Connie learned that no Midshipman Lowry was on board and instead was a fabled ghost of a young man who’d served during Vietnam. Apparently he’d died when his appendix ruptured before he made it into surgery. Connie did not like hearing anything about ghosts after that.

Lexie’s face softened. Tell you what. You find us a motel and call it, and then call a cab. I’ll follow in the car.

You don’t think I’m stupid?

Lexie cut a piece off her steak. Honey, after that, I would prefer to burn a smudge stick in the car before driving it any damned where, but I’ll settle for throwing some salt in it.

Connie giggled. Salt. You’re gonna have to vacuum that out before handing the car back.

They can vacuum it out them damned selves after giving us a weird ass acting car.

The waitress came to offer them a refill on their coffee. Honey, you go ahead and take the salt shaker out there with you if you’re going to drive that thing. She topped up their cups.

Thanks, Lexie said, smiling at their waitress, meaning both for the offer of taking the salt shaker and for the refill.

You’re welcome, the waitress replied.

Connie took a bite of her grits then picked up her phone. According to Trip Advisor, there’s another motel, the Seabreeze Motel, one block the other direction. It’s got good reviews and there’s a pool. She tapped the screen to call the motel. Lexie ate, all the while listening to Connie as she made a reservation. Okay, I got us a twin room. I’ll call an Uber when we’re done.

Lexie eyed the Saint Christopher’s medal hanging around Connie’s neck. Oh good, I’d noticed that was gone when I went to go take it from the rear view mirror.

Connie reached her hand up to fiddle with the medallion. Yeah, I didn’t want this to go missing. It’s real gold and it belongs to the car, right? After all, we found it wedged into the back seat when we took it out to be reupholstered. Connie looked thoughtful. Maybe I’m being over dramatic, but you know, this is supposed to be blessed, right? Why don’t you hang this up in the Honda before you drive it to the motel?

Lexie nodded. It certainly can’t hurt anything, right? At the very least, I’ll feel better. That was pretty freaky and I’m not ashamed to admit I feel more than a little spooked by it. She finished the last of her food and picked up her phone. I best look to see where I’m going. She quickly found the listing Connie had mentioned on the Trip Advisor website. The motel was nothing all that fancy, but it wasn’t a dump either. Lexie hoped the pool was as nice as it looked. If it was, she intended to take a swim before breakfast.

The waitress came to take their empty plates away. Returning with their check, she asked, Would you like another refill?

Connie shook her head regretfully. I don’t dare or i’ll never sleep tonight.

I’m fine, thanks, Lexie said. The waitress went back behind the counter.

I’ll get the bill. Just let me go to the bathroom first.

All right. I’ll finish my coffee while I wait. She didn’t have to wait long. Less than five minutes later, Connie was standing by their table, the Saint Christopher’s medallion dangling from her hand.

While I was in there, I used the mirror to help me take it off, she explained. Lexie nodded and took the necklace from her. They walked to the register together and paid the bill, Lexie having first left a tip on their table and taking the salt cellar. Stepping outside, Connie called for her Uber. Lexie took their luggage out of the trunk while she waited with her and watched as the Uber drove her away before climbing into the Honda. The medallion and salt shaker on her lap, she put the key in the ignition. When the engine turned over without any monkey business occurring, she laughed at herself.

Is probably someone playing a prank on a bunch of out of towners, she told herself. She eased out of the parking space and waited for a break in the traffic before pulling out onto the road. As she turned, the irritating knocking sound returned. Damn, that’s irritating, she muttered. The car shook. What the hell? There is definitely something wrong with this car. Remembering the jewelry on her lap, she took a hand off the wheel and picked the necklace