Dark Universe Series: Prison Break.

Epilog.

On the highway the HGV was ambling at a leisurely pace. It wasn't a particularly overused highway, so no-one saw the back ramp drop down. It hit the road, causing showers of sparks.

Behind it, the jeep gained a little speed.

Alan had almost regained his equanimity. He had always really, really wanted to try this. The idea fleetingly brushed through his head that it might have been a good idea to practice a little first, though.

Gordon's eyes swivelled dubiously in his younger brother's direction but he wisely refrained from saying anything.

Alan put his foot down and the car mounted the ramp. He accelerated to propel the vehicle upwards, then slammed on the brake. He was almost quick enough, though the front fender did demolish the rear of Scott's Lamborghini, already parked inside the truck.

"Nobody," Alan reminded them through gritted teeth, "says a thing."

Five miles down the highway, Scott pulled off the highway. He opened up the back of the truck to let his brothers jump down. Wisely, no-one mentioned his car. His eyes lit up when he saw John, and he opened his arms.

John looked at him mutinously. "No."

"Johnnie." The tone was cajoling.

"No way am I letting you kiss me, man."

"John, you're my brother. I haven't seen you in, what, three years?"

"No."

Scott opened his mouth pleadingly.

"No."

Scott gave him a pained look. John began to shuffle towards the cab, shaking his head. Scott just sighed.

The brothers piled into the cab. Alan looked hopefully at the driver's seat.

"You don't have a license to drive one of these things," Scott told him without looking at him.

This was true. After a while it occurred to Alan that Scott didn't have a license either, but the moment had passed.

Gordon was frowning at Scott. "What's the matter with your shirt?"

"The matter?" Scott glanced down to where his shirt seemed to have taken on a life of its own. "Oh that." He undid a button and reached in.

He solemnly handed Gordon a kitten. "Well done. Our first rescue. Good man."

Gordon stared at the kitten.

Scott handed one to Alan. "Nice driving, kiddo...John," Scott reached back in the cab, "Welcome back."

John and Virgil exchanged bemused glances. John reached forward to take his kitten. Scott snatched it back very quickly. John's face twisted up. After a long moment he leaned forward and allowed Scott to peck him on the cheek. Satisfied, Scott handed him his kitten.

Scott separated out the last two kittens and handed another one back over his shoulder. "Good job, Virgil."

Virgil frowned. "You bought us cats? For breaking Johnnie out of jail?"

"Good work is its own reward, I know. But I figure it never harms to have incentives."

Scott tickled the remaining kitten as it purred against his chest. He was pretty certain he'd retained the smartest one.

And put the twelve-wheel in gear, humming to himself as he did so*.

…

*Author's note – for those of you curious to know what Scott is humming, there is a song out there on Y-T called "The Day they put my Cat in Jail". Had 163 views last I looked, but, hey, you never know. It might be a big hit one day.