We tore through the night along dark country roads. Wind slammed against the Camaro. Rain lashed the windshield. I didn't know how Percy's mom could see anything, but she kept her foot on the gas.
Every time there was a flash of lighting, Percy looked at Grover.
Percy said, "So, you and my mom. . . know each other?"
Grover's eyes flitted to the rearview mirror, though there were no cars behind us.
"Not exactly," he said. "I mean, never met in person. But she knew I was watching you two."
"Watching us?"
"Keeping tabs on you two. Making sure you were okay. But I wasn't faking being you guys' friend," he added hastily. "I am your friend."
"Urn. . . what are you, exactly?"
"That doesn't matter right now."
"It doesn't matter? From the waist, down, my best friend is a donkey-"
Grove let out a sharp, throaty "Baa-ha-ha!"
"Goat!" he cried.
"What?"
"I'm a goat form the wait down."
"You just said it didn't matter."
"Bhaa-ha-ha! There are satyrs who would trample you underhoof for such an insult!"
"Whoa. Wait. Satyrs. You mean like . . . Mr. Brunner's myths?"
"Were those old ladies at the fruit stand a myth, Percy? Was Mrs. Dodds a myth?"
"So you admit there was a Mrs. Dodds!"
"Of course."
"Then why- "
They talked some more.
Sally pulled the wheel hard to the right, and we got a glimpse of a figure she'd swerved to avoid-a dark fluttering shape now lost behind us in the storm.
"What was that?" we asked in unison
"We're almost there," Percy's mother said, ignoring our question. "Another mile. Please. Please. Please."
Suddenly, there was a blinding flash, a jaw-rattling boom, and the car exploded.
But I was fine like nothing happened because I was already out of the car, but everyone else was still in the car.
I heard Percy yell, "Grover!"
He groaned "Food," and we knew there was hope.
"Percy," his mother said, "we have to . . ." Her voice faltered.
Percy swallowed hard. "Who is- "
"Percy," his mom said, deadly serious. "Get out of the car."
They tried to get out of the car. But the car doors were stuck. I could hear what they were saying.
"He doesn't want us, and he wouldn't dare hurt Scar." His mother said. "He wants you. Besides, I can't cross the property line."
"But. . . "
"We don't have time, Percy. Go. Please."
Percy climbed across Grover and pushed open the door. "We're going together. Come on, Mom."
"I told you- "
"Mom! I am not leaving you. Help me with Grover."
Percy and his mom dragged Grover, uphill through the wet waist-high grass.
I recognized the monster, all right. He had been in one of the first stories Mr. Brunner told us. But he couldn't be real.
Percy and his mom talked.
Percy's mother must've been exhausted, but she shouldered Grover. "Go, Percy! Separate! Remember what I said."
Percy's mom got grabbed. Percy fought the Bull-man. And I passed out before the battle was won.
A.N. I am sorry that this chapter is short. The next chapter will be longer
