Alex Lee Martinez - Gil's All Fright Diner

"Forget it."

Earl climbed behind the wheel and started the car. The Volvo wasn't much to look at, but the engine purred with only the occasional hiccup. A brown police cruiser pulled into the lot as Earl was backing out. Sheriff Kopp stepped out of his vehicle. He tipped his Stetson.

"Where you folks off to?"

Glances were exchanged amidst the passengers. Finally, Cathy spoke up. "I've always wanted to see Las Vegas."

"I went there once. Be sure and catch a magic show while you're there."

The Volvo's occupants all frowned.

"I think we've seen enough magic for a while," Earl replied.

"I guess you're right. Well, have fun anyway." Hands on his belt, he stepped back. "And don't forget to buckle up now. Seat belts save lives."

"Will do."

Earl pulled onto the dirt road alongside the diner. "Vegas, here we come."

"Uh, Earl," Cathy said, "isn't it the other way?"

"She's right," Duke seconded.

"You sure?"

Napoleon yipped.

"Alright, alright."

Cathy by his side, Earl couldn't work up to his standard of irritation. He just smiled, turned the car around, and headed down the road leading out of Rockwood and to wherever the law of Anomalous Phenomena Attraction might lead him. With a vampire, a werewolf, and two ghosts in the car, it was only reasonable to expect a lot of weird shit. Hopefully later rather than sooner. But, for now, there was just Earl, his best friend, his girlfriend, one spectral dog, and a long dirt road heading into a distant horizon and a nice, quiet, normal night.

2005 year