Chapter 6A:

Another dreary stretch of the interstate brought them to the exit for their destination. Spelling each other more frequently at driving this time, they hadn't stopped for long again until now.

Liz and, understandably, Isobel had had uncomfortable thoughts on what they were about to do, Liz from a moral standpoint and Isobel because the success of the plan rested entirely on her. Max slept on, but the other three were looking forward to the action. As they drove, Kyle and Michael had discussed the camping requirements, with Maria enthusiastically contributing comments and suggestions.

Kyle was the most experienced member of the group in this respect, having gone camping and fishing frequently with the Sheriff as he grew up, so he was the one to draw up the list of vital equipment they needed.

Two family size all weather tents were a necessity, but Kyle knew they had to buy the best they could afford for extreme environments as well as providing some level of comfort for the girls.

He added two double and two single size soft insulation pads and six expedition sleeping bags to the list, as well as lanterns, flashlights, cooking equipment and more blankets.

Tools including an axe, saw and hunting knives were necessities, even with alien powers available.

Maria's half-joking comment that she hoped all this stuff came with user manuals resulted in an air-blown kiss from Kyle, earning the glare he expected from Michael, and survival books being added to the list.

Warm clothing, hats and sun protection completed the list and when he finished they were astounded by the estimated cost. Michael had to re- think his plans for using alien cash sparingly. They'd just have to risk it, after all.

Stopping at the first supermarket they found, Liz and Isobel went to pick up more food supplies, enough for the next couple of days. They had agreed that they would be driving all night to put as many miles as they could between them and Pueblo, although if things worked out with the second car, there should be no more real need for that after a few days. Kyle went to find a local street map and a payphone to check out the rental places that hired out off- road vehicles and also to discover what ID would be needed. He came back to the van with three circles on the map.

Once settled in again, this time with food and drink shared out among them, Liz and Maria tried to get Max to wake up, with some success. He had eventually responded to Liz's gentle voice urging him to drink some warm Tabasco-laced milk and had struggled into semi-consciousness for a while. He drained two cups and ate several cookies that Maria dipped in the milk and fed him in bite-size pieces, before suddenly falling asleep again. The girls were distressed to see him so helpless and Michael promised them that as soon as they were somewhere safe, he would be their number one priority. The best thing they could do for him now was carry out their plan.

Liz kept a sharp eye on the frequent comings and goings of the other customers while the detailed planning took place.

They decided to try the same modus operandi on all three places in turn and see if they had any luck.

The van would stay out of sight in a nearby street. Kyle, in the sweat pants and exercise vest fortuitously bought for comfort the previous morning, would jog slowly past making no effort to hide, just casually looking at the cars and the set up, trying to catch a glimpse of the office staff and, if he got a chance, start up a conversation with any employees around the place.

If he approved, Maria would drive to some big store downtown where Isobel would use the facilities to change into her supermodel persona. Meanwhile, until he had the opportunity to make fakes for everyone, Michael would have to change Maria's ID and driver's licence to fit Isobel.

Sometime during the afternoon, Isobel would walk into the rental office and con her way into possession of an expensive off-road vehicle to drive into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and disappear someplace without hot showers, comfortable beds or privacy that she just knew she was going to hate.

Isobel drove the big Chevy Suburban out of the city, heading for a rendezvous with her gang at the first rest area they saw westbound out of Pueblo towards Canon City. She smiled to herself, on a high from the success of her mission and pleased to be out of the hot, cramped van and away from her grief and fear for a while. She could feel it in the back of her mind waiting to rise up and engulf her again, but she kept her thoughts firmly on her triumph over the last few hours and held it at bay.

She knew the others were back in the city buying tents and camping gear for the mountains.

Michael and Kyle had decided that they would spread their purchases over several stores along their route to minimise the risk of being memorably big spenders. They thought the major stuff could be bought in the big specialist stores as they had a high tourist turnover all year round for summer camping and winter sports. Maria and Liz waited with Max in the van while the guys went into the first store.

Half an hour later, the guys returned carrying between them a large box and several large bags, which they loaded with some difficulty into the van.

They now had one tent, three sleeping bags and double and single insulation pads.

At the next store they repeated their purchases, adding some of the smaller items from their list, such as flashlights and batteries.

By this time there was no room left in the van, and Michael decided that it was time to go find Isobel.

They arrived at the rendezvous and eventually found the Chevy taking up two spaces in the busy parking lot, but no Isobel inside. They found a space nearby as Liz and Kyle began to panic. Maria figured she was in the restroom and wanted to go look for her but Michael stopped her, saying it wasn't safe for her to go alone in case there really was something wrong. All they could do was wait until she appeared. Maria argued a little, but her heart wasn't in it. She knew he was right.

Isobel strolled across to the van from the coffee shop where she had been passing the time and dismissed Michael's annoyance with a pout and a raised eyebrow.

"It would have seemed strange if I'd just sat in the car for two hours gazing at nothing. As it was I could keep watch for you from a discreet vantage point and have coffee and cake while I waited. I can occasionally think for myself, Michael."

"Well, it's about damn time, Isobel."

"Guys, guys, cool it, let's just unpack the stuff and divide it up between the van and the Chevy, shall we?"

"I saved a space for you so we could transfer stuff to the Chevy without being too noticeable. Drive over there and I'll make room."

"Ok, but then can we go have coffee and cake, too?"

"I don't see why not, Maria, we deserve a little celebration for our first successful heist this afternoon. I fixed the security cameras and the hot chocolate is heaven."

"Look out, world, the Scooby Gang are on their way."

"They solved mysteries, Maria, they didn't commit serious crimes."

"We may have to do both before we're safe, Liz."

"What do you mean, Kyle? We have to solve mysteries?"

Kyle noticed Michael's warning glare and back-pedalled fast.

"Just a feeble joke, Liz, no need to get anxious. How's Max? Is it safe to leave him in the van for a while?"

Liz was instantly diverted. "No, I don't think we should leave him alone, Kyle. What if he wakes up and there's nobody around? I'll stay with him and you can all go to the coffee shop, I really don't mind." Her attitude had changed from the morning, her love and concern for him overrode her earlier anger and all she wanted was her Max, strong and well, back in his rightful place leading them all again. She helped the others move half of the boxes and bags outside, then curled up on the floor beside him and rested her head against his knee, closing her eyes and wishing they were back in Roswell before Tess arrived and the long fight against their enemies began.

TBC . . .