Road to Las Vegas

By Alexandre ottoveggio

Robin and his young daughter, Julie, are embarking on a journey to Las Vegas, leaving everything behind. This trip symbolizes a new chapter in their lives, filled with excitement and unknown adventures. The journey to Las Vegas may be lengthy, but they are prepared to face the obstacles and possibilities that await them.Despite being separated from his ex-wife who struggles with drug addiction, Robin is determined to provide a better life for her daughter.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandre ottoveggio
• Release date: Apr 25, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224282081

Alexandre ottoveggio

Alexandre Ottoveggio is a French-Italian actor stuntman Screenwriter, and writer who was born in Casablanca. He started working in the film industry when he was sixteen Years old and worked on Hollywood films. His work has won multiple awards for its unique storytelling style, attention to detail, and ability to capture the essence of human emotions. His directing has taken him to many countries, including Sweden The United States, Morocco, and other countries, as he has Developed work in independent cinema. As a writer his writing is cinematic, blending fiction and Reality, carrying the reader through a unique experience, and Broadening their horizons.

Book preview

ROAD TO LAS VEGAS

Chapter 1 / Hit the Road

The Chevy's engine hummed a tired tune as it hugged the curves Of Highway 104. Robin Montgomery's fingers, calloused and firm Clung to the steering wheel like ivy to an ancient wall.

His green eyes darted from one dusty horizon to the next Dissecting the barren landscape for any flicker of civilization Any promise of fuel.

Are we there yet? The voice was small but carried weight.

Julie shifted in her seat, the old springs groaning under her Slight frame. She pressed a hand against her stomach, a hollow Echo answering back. I'm hungry, Dad.

Robin glanced at his daughter, taking in the concern knitting Her brows together. Her resilience shone through, even as her Voice betrayed the pangs of hunger. He offered a half-smile, a Silent pledge to provide, despite the bleakness of the open road Stretching before them.

Robin reached towards the crumpled plastic bag nestled between His worn boots, a graveyard of receipts and candy wrappers.

His fingers fished out the last pack of cookies, the cellophane Crackling as he offered it to Julie. This is all we've got for Now, he said, the apology heavy in his voice.

Julie's small hands accepted the pack, her thumbs pressing Against the edges, releasing the sweet scent of chocolate chip.

It's okay, Dad. It's better than nothing. Her words were Light, meant to lift the burden even if just for a moment.

2.

He pressed down on the accelerator, the old Chevy responding With a weary groan. Dust swirled outside the windows as the Speedometer needle climbed. Each mile devoured was a mile closer To their new life, a silent reckoning with the shrinking fuel gauge.

Can't waste time, Robin muttered, more to himself than to Julie. The landscape blurred past them, a mottled canvas of Browns and grays, the urgency palpable in the tight set of his Jaw. He knew they couldn't afford to stop – not with Vegas Calling, not with the promise of a fresh start dangling just Beyond reach.

The gas light flickered to red, a sudden glare in the dimming Cabin. The Chevy's engine coughed, a spluttering hiccup that Echoed Robin's own surprise. Damn it! he spat out, as if the Curse could fuel the car.

Are you okay, Daddy? Julie's voice was laced with concern, her Eyes wide as they fixed on his face.

Ah, pumpkin. He exhaled, a long breath that didn't quite mask The worry creasing his brow. We're running on fumes. Next Station's an hour out.

The silence hung between them, punctuated only by the erratic Jolts of the faltering engine.

The Chevy's engine sputtered its last, the car shuddering to an Uneasy halt. Julie's small hand gripped the armrest. Her Knuckles turned white.

Daddy, why didn't we get gas earlier? The words carried a Weight that belied her age, her voice taut with anxiety.

3.

Robin's gaze lingered on the empty road ahead, then shifted to The rearview mirror where only their own dust cloud trailed Them. His hands relaxed their hold on the wheel, and he turned To face his daughter. I messed up, Jules, he admitted, his Voice heavy with regret. Got so tangled up in what your mom Did

Is it because of the divorce? Julie cut in, her eyes searching His for understanding.

Partly. Robin nodded, feeling the sting of truth. But it was On me to remember. I can't lay all the blame at her door.

A silence stretched between them, filled by the heat that seemed To press down upon the Chevy's faded hood. Robin could feel the Sun, relentless, as it bore through the windshield, reminding Him of the miles of emptiness surrounding them. He reached out And gave Julie's hand a gentle squeeze, seeking forgiveness in The simplicity of touch.

Let's figure this out together, okay?

The Chevy's engine coughed—a dry, wheezing gasp. The wheels Groaned against the scorched asphalt. Stillness encroached as The car limped forward, its lifeblood spent. Robin's heart san K with every falter of the engine. He knew what was coming.

Hey, Dad. Julie's voice was a soft beacon in the stifling heat. Her hand, small and determined, found his. We'll be okay.

He looked down at her fingers entwined with his own, the tattoos On his arm stark against her smooth skin. You think?

Yep, she said with a certainty that was painfully sweet. "We

4.

Always figure it out."

The car shuddered, surrendering to inertia. Robin steered it to A halt, the silence of the desert swallowing them whole.

They sat, stranded in a sea of sand and sun.

Completely out, he muttered, his throat dry. He let go of Julie's hand to turn the key again, hoping for a miracle. Just a Sputter, then nothing. They were indeed out of fuel, the gauge Needle unflinchingly beneath 'E'.

Julie unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned across the console Giving him a brave smile. Adventure, right?

Right, Robin echoed, the corners of his mouth twitching into a Weary grin. His daughter's optimism was a lifeline as they faced The vast, empty road together.

Robin's gaze flickered to the rearview mirror, noting nothing But the wavering heat rising from the black ribbon of highway Behind them. The sun beat down upon the Chevy’s faded hood, its Glare relentless as it reflected off the dusty windshield. His Hand reached for the map in the glove compartment, fingers Tracing the nearest symbol for fuel—a good twenty miles away.

Too far, he murmured, the words a parched echo in the confines Of the car.

Can't we call someone? Julie asked, her voice threading Through the stillness. She shifted in her seat, reaching into The clutter that had accumulated on the back seat.

Maybe. Doubt gnawed at him, but he didn't let it show. Robin Forced a half-smile.

She presented him with his phone, the device worn and encased in

5.

A rubber protector that was peeling at the corners.

Try Uncle Mike, he's always awake by now.

Nodding, Robin tapped the screen, the numbers familiar beneath His fingertips. The call connected, but instead of a ring, a Robotic voice chimed, grating and impersonal.

Your service has been temporarily suspended due to an unpaid Bill. Please make a payment to restore your service.

The message cut through the air like a knife, severing hope.

Robin glanced at Julie, her expectant eyes searching his face For reassurance. He let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been Holding.

Signal's dead, he lied, locking the phone and tossing it onto The dash. His jaw clenched, muscles taut with frustration he Fought to keep at bay. We'll think of something else.

Julie nodded, folding her hands in her lap, the lines of worry On her young face belying her calm demeanor.

They were alone, cutoff, but not defeated—not yet.

Robin's thumb hovered over the phone, then pressed down Extinguishing the screen. The device—a lifeline turned dead Weight—lay in his palm, a testament to his shortcomings.

He swallowed the lump forming in his throat and glanced at Julie. Her eyes, wide with concern, mirrored back the stark Desert landscape.

Can't make calls, he muttered, his voice barely above the Gravel crunch under their immobile car. "The bill... I didn't...

It's unpaid."

Julie absorbed the words, her gaze steady on him, processing the

6.

Gravity behind them. Silence stretched out, thick and Suffocating, as if the heat of the barren highway had seeped Into the Chevy, pressing down on their chests.

Okay, Dad, she said, her voice a soft yet sturdy thread in the Fabric of their predicament. She reached across the center Console, her small hand finding his. Her grip was firm Grounding. We'll figure this out. Together.

Her optimism, unwavering, kindled a spark within Robin's Beleaguered spirit. He squeezed her hand in return, borrowing Strength from her unshakable belief that they'd prevail.

They sat together, uniting against the silence, their bond a Beacon in the desolate expanse.

The sun dipped lower, casting elongated shadows across the Cracked asphalt. Robin's gaze flitted to the rearview mirror Then back to the horizon. Dust swirled around the old Chevy, the World outside a blur of orange and brown.

Water, Julie said, breaking the silence. She rummaged through The backseat, the sound of plastic and fabric intermingling.

She found a half-empty bottle, the liquid warm from the day's Heat.

Here, she offered, extending the bottle to Robin. He took it His hands rough, the tattoos on his forearms shifting with the Motion. A quick swig moistened his parched throat.

Thanks, kiddo. His voice was hoarse, a whisper against the Vastness surrounding them.

Julie nodded, her eyes scanning the desolate stretch of road.

Someone might pass by. Someone who can help us.

7.

Maybe. Robin's reply held a tinge of hope. He opened the door The Chevy protesting with a creak. Stepping out, he stretched His legs, muscles stiff from hours of driving. Julie followed Suit, her sneakers crunching on the gravel shoulder.

Vegas is still out there, she said, pointing towards the west Where the city lay hidden beyond the folds of the earth.

Sure is. Robin's green eyes reflected the fading light, a Spark of resolve within their depths. He squinted into the Distance, as if willing the city closer.

Let's walk a bit. Stretch our legs. Clear our heads, Robin Suggested. Julie's response was a nod, her frame small yet Determined beside him.

They locked the car and started along the highway's edge, the Ground firm beneath their feet. Every step seemed to declare Their refusal to surrender to circumstance.

Plan B? Julie asked after several minutes of shared silence.

Plan B, Robin agreed, the words a pact between them.

Their strides were purposeful, two figures moving through the Desert twilight, each step a silent vow to overcome the odds Stacked against them.

The needle hovered, a harbinger of trouble, just millimeters Above the ominous E. Robin's knuckles whitened on the steering Wheel, eyes flickering from the road to the defiant red of the Fuel gauge. Sweat pooled at the base of his neck, a cold and Treacherous trickle.

Pa? Julie's voice sliced through the heavy silence of the Chevy's cab. She lifted her head, ponytail swaying, the desert

8.

Landscape reflecting in her wide eyes.

Robin forced a tight-lipped smile, but it didn't reach his green Eyes. Just checking out something, sweetheart.

Is it the car? Julie leaned forward, squinting at the Dashboard, her concern palpable.

Ah, nothing serious, he lied, voice gruff with the effort to Keep calm. Robin glanced away, hoping she wouldn't notice the Tremble in his hand as he adjusted the rearview mirror, avoiding Her gaze.

Are you sure? Her small hands gripped the armrest, fingertips Pressing into the worn fabric. You look worried.

Everything's under control. The words sounded hollow even to His own ears. Robin knew he couldn't mask the stark reality for Long, not from Julie.

The Chevy coughed, a spluttering protest against the desert's Relentless heat. Robin glanced at Julie, her face caught between Hope and the dawning edge of fear.

We're running on fumes, kiddo. And the wallet's just about as Empty.

Can't we find a gas station? Julie shifted in her seat, eyes Scanning the barren expanse beyond the window.

Out here, it's miles of nothing. Robin's voice remained even Battling the churn in his gut. It's all sagebrush and open sky For a good long stretch.

Julie bit her lip, considering. There's got to be something. A Store, maybe? Someone who can help?

Maybe, he said, knowing hope was a coin they couldn't bank on.

9.

The Chevy's engine hummed a low, discordant note as it ate up The remaining drops of fuel. Robin's knuckles whitened around The steering wheel, each mile marker they passed a silent Testament to their dwindling chances. The horizon stretched, an Endless ribbon of road ahead, unforgiving and barren.

Are we still far? Julie's voice broke through the drone of Tires on asphalt, a trace of hunger in her tone.

Kinda, Robin admitted, his eyes flitting to the rearview Mirror where the empty landscape loomed like a relentless Pursuer.

Can we stop for something to eat? She asked, her stomach Audibly rumbling in the quiet cab of the truck. I'm really Hungry.

Robin felt the words catch in his throat, guilt gnawing at him.

They'd skipped breakfast in the rush of departure, a decision That now seemed foolishly short-sighted. "I'm sorry, Jules. We Should've grabbed something earlier. We just...

Can't right now."

Her gaze lingered on him, searching, then softened with Understanding. It's okay, Dad. I can wait. Her small voice Carried a weight of forgiveness he hadn't earned.

A lump formed in his throat, and he forced a smile. We'll find Something soon, I promise. His words were a thin veil over the Fear that clawed at his insides. Keep driving. Find help. He Repeated the mantra silently, willing it to be true.

Robin's hand dived into the tangle of plastic bags at Julie's Feet. His fingers searched, the crinkle of wrappers a small

10.

Chorus of hope. They emerged victorious, clutching a pack of Cookies. He glanced at his daughter, her eyes wide with the Modest offering.

Here, he said, handing them over. It's not much, but it'll Hold you over.

Julie's fingers closed around the package, the colorful logo a Stark contrast to the dusty dashboard. She smiled, a quick Upturn of her lips that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Thanks, Dad.

The Chevy groaned as they rolled on, the engine's hum a familiar Soundtrack to their plight. The silence between them was filled By the sound of cookies being unwrapped, a rustling whisper in The vastness of the desert.

A red light caught Robin's eye – the gas gauge's warning.

It glowed ominously. His heart skipped, then hammered.

The crimson signal was unmissable against the backdrop of faded Dials. He swallowed hard, felt his jaw tighten.

Red light, Julie murmured, her voice tinged with concern as She followed his gaze.

Yeah, Robin responded, his voice steady despite the tremor of Anxiety that threatened to break through. The fuel needle Hovered, taunting him with its proximity to empty.

Red like stop, she added softly, an innocent observation laden With unintended meaning.

Let's hope we don't have to, he said, forcing a confidence he Didn’t feel. The road stretched on, a relentless adversary Beneath the relentless sun.

11.

Robin's fingers tightened around the steering wheel, each Knuckle blanching with the grip of anxiety. A low curse slipped From his lips, barely audible over the hum of the engine. The Red light on the dashboard seemed to pulse, in sync with the Quickening beat of his heart.

Are you okay, Dad? Julie's voice cut through the tension, her Concern as clear as the desert sky outside.

He glanced at her, a forced half-smile briefly playing on his Face. Just thinking out loud, he said, but the strain in his Voice betrayed him.

Julie studied him, her brows knitting together. She knew better.

Really, Dad, what's wrong?

The words hung between them; Robin knew