The Cherished Wife

The car had barely come to a stop when Clarisse turned to the visibly agitated Janet. "Janet, what's up?"

"Turn around, now! Follow that car!" Janet shouted at the driver, pointing ahead. "Do you see it? That's Charles's car!"

"Charles?" Clarisse squinted at the traffic, but all she saw were cars zipping by, none with a recognizable plate. "Are you sure you didn't get it mixed up?"

"I'm positive, Aunt Clary. I'd know Charles's car anywhere, and I've got the license plate memorized. We've got to catch up!" Janet's heart was pounding for reasons she could not explain. "What's Charles up to, heading out at this hour? And I'm pretty sure there was someone with him in the front seat!"

"You're probably mistaken. If he's got company, it's likely just his secretary," Clarisse reasoned, though she had to admit she did not know her son as well as she might. Charles leaving the office at this time had to be business-related. "Janet, look at the time. You've got work, remember?"

like this. He used to be so sweet to me, but now... there has to be a reason for the way he's acting." Janet's determination was unshakable. With a sigh, Clarisse

to decide their next move. Out of the blue,

regained her balance, she turned to Charles with wide eyes. "Charles, what's going on?" Charles's lips were a tight line as he stole

for a high-speed chase. As he floored it, the car

Charles's car was harboring someone. "He knows!" she exclaimed. Then, in a rush of words, she said, "Step on it,

we're in a speed-limited

to Clarisse, was well aware of Charles's driving prowess. Charles's car was a beast with all the bells