"We're never ready," Veronica points out, although the idea of what he's talking about makes the pit of her stomach clench. She can't deny it -- It isn't just the oppressive heat that's making it feel like the other shoe is going to drop. It's just statistics.

"I just hope whatever it is, nobody dies this time," she adds, her mouth settling into a line, focus diligently on the dusty road ahead of them.