Chapter 160: Ulami's Hope

AS WE PASSED THE sign for Santa's Village, someone's stomach growled. It set off a chain reaction and soon I was clutching my own gut to keep it from joining in. Zander chuckled next to me.

"Oh, for the love of puppies everywhere," said Ruthie.

"Apparently, I'm not the only one starving," said Wynona.

Maverick shook his head with exasperation. "We can stop at the summit to grab some food. It's coming up on the right."

Luke nodded. "Sounds good."

We were passing through the Santa Cruz Mountains on our way to Dr. Frankler's place in San Jose. Calling them "mountains" was generous since the summit height was only about 1800 feet. But they did get snow every year, not that it ever stuck.

There was a fruit stand at the point of the mountain that sold all kinds of snacks, drinks, and produce. Luke pulled in and parked right up next to the store. Everyone bailed from the Suburban.

I headed toward the piles of fresh fruit but stopped when someone pulled on my arm. It was Zander and